Major General Yaroslav Moskalik died in a car explosion in Balashikha, according to Telegram channels.

A car exploded near a residential building. TASS and RIA Novosti report one fatality. Kommersant claims two people—the driver and a passenger—may have died.

Initial reports indicated the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder. However, reports later emerged that it was the detonation of an improvised explosive device.

The fact that the deceased was the deputy chief of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian FederationRoslav Moskalik, Mash and Baza report. However, Telegram channels previously reported that the deceased was "just a random passerby."

The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case.