Explosion in Saint Petersburg Kills Russian Military Commander

A Russian military commander has been killed in a car explosion in Saint Petersburg, with Russian authorities describing the incident as a terrorist attack.

The powerful blast occurred on Thursday morning in the city's Pushkinsky district, according to Russian news agency Tass. The Investigative Committee of Russia for Saint Petersburg said it had launched criminal proceedings for the murder of a serviceman "as a result of a car explosion."

In a statement released by its public relations service, the committee said: "Investigative bodies of the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the city of Saint Petersburg have launched criminal proceedings for the murder of a serviceman, resulting from a car explosion in the Pushkinsky district."

No further details about the victim or the circumstances of the blast have been officially released. A video circulating on social media purportedly shows the moment of the explosion, though its authenticity has not been independently verified.

Local media reported that a strong explosion was heard in the area. Authorities have not yet commented on possible motives or suspects.

The investigation is ongoing. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.