Survivors of Friday’s attack near Moscow have described the frantic scenes they witnessed as it unfolded.
Four gunmen opened fire on people at Crocus City Hall shortly before Russian rock band Picnic were due to play. The concert hall was also set on fire. At least 137 people were killed.
Concertgoer Dave Primov said “popping sounds” were heard around 10 minutes before the 8pm show.
“Initially I thought: fireworks or something like that… I looked at my colleague, and he also said: ‘Fireworks, probably’,” he said.
Mr Primov said he and others were able to escape the auditorium before the gunmen reached it, and described scenes of chaos and panic as they made their way outside.
“We don’t know what’s ahead. We don’t know what is behind this door. We don’t know what is going on outside, maybe we’re encircled [by the attackers], maybe someone is waiting there,” Mr Primov recounted.
Another survivor, who only gave the name Maria, also said there was “uncertainty” over where was safe as “every person there had no idea what was happening”.
Videos taken by those at the concert hall on Friday showed people screaming and rushing to escape attack as the gunmen continued taking shots.
