Russian Colonel Killed in Saint Petersburg Car Bomb Blast

OPA WIRE, Nov 12 (OPA) — A Russian serviceman died Thursday morning when his vehicle exploded in the southern outskirts of Saint Petersburg, according to local authorities. The blast occurred at approximately 7 a.m. along Kolpino Highway in the Shushary area of the Pushkinsky district, completely gutting the car and shattering the windows of a passing public bus.

Russian independent media outlet Fontanka identified the dead man as a colonel serving as chief navigator for the 6th Air and Air Defence Army. According to the report, an explosive device planted beneath the vehicle was triggered remotely as the officer drove away from the location. A family member nearby sustained injuries in the incident.

Federal investigators and forensic specialists deployed to the blast site immediately following the explosion. Russia's Investigative Committee formally opened a murder probe. Authorities have not yet officially named the victim or confirmed specific details regarding the explosive device used in the attack.

The incident follows a series of targeted attacks against Russian military personnel inside the country since Moscow initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While Kyiv rarely claims direct responsibility for operations on Russian soil, federal investigators have not yet linked Thursday's car bombing to the ongoing conflict.