Gunmen unleashed terror at a concert hall in Moscow on Friday, claiming the lives of over 60 people and leaving more than 100 wounded, as per authorities. The Islamic State group has asserted responsibility for the attack.

Attackers dressed in camouflage uniforms entered the building, opened fire and threw a grenade or incendiary bomb, according to a journalist for the RIA Novosti news agency at the scene.

Fire quickly spread through the Crocus City concert hall in Moscow's northern Krasnogorsk suburb, as smoke filled the building and screaming visitors rushed to emergency exits.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror, with concert-goers trampling over each other in a desperate bid to escape. The death toll was revised upwards to over 60 by Russia's Investigative Committee, with Health Minister Mikhail Murashko confirming 115 hospitalizations, including five children, one of whom remains in critical condition.

An investigation into the incident has been launched, with President Vladimir Putin closely monitoring developments, as stated by his spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. The national guard has deployed to the scene, aided by sniffer dogs, as efforts continue to locate the perpetrators.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for what they described as an assault on a "large gathering" on the outskirts of Moscow. Images circulated on Telegram news channels depicted scenes of chaos and destruction, with concert-goers seeking refuge amidst the unfolding mayhem.

Security services revealed that the attackers, numbering between two to five individuals, initiated gunfire at the entrance before targeting the audience. Witnesses recounted harrowing moments of terror, with gunfire erupting just moments before the scheduled start of the Piknik concert.

Emergency responders worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, with helicopters deployed to douse the flames. By midnight, authorities reported that the fire had been brought under control.

President Putin, promptly informed of the attack, conveyed his wishes for the swift recovery of the wounded, as relayed by Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova. However, Putin has yet to publicly address the incident.

BOB Post