Over 40 people have reportedly been killed and about 130 wounded, according to unofficial reports, after gunmen in combat fatigues opened fire and detonated explosives at a major Moscow concert venue.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, about 100 people have been escorted to safety by firefighters.

“Fire and rescue units are operating ... Their main efforts are aimed at search and rescue. Firefighters evacuated about 100 people from the basement of the building. Work is underway to rescue others from the roof using lifts,” the ministry’s message says.

According to local media, up to 6,200 people could have been in the building when the shooting started as the scheduled concert was sold out.

People built makeshift barricades and tried to break out through the windows to escape the shooting scene, eyewitnesses have told the press. The death toll is expected to grow, given the scale of the attack and inferno that has engulfed the mall.

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