SUV Explodes in New Moscow Courtyard; Vehicle Linked to Sanctioned Russian Defense Scientist

A Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Prado exploded in the courtyard of a residential building in New Moscow, Russian media The Moscow Times reported on December 1.

The blast occurred near the “Grad Moskovsky” apartment complex. The explosion shattered windows in several apartments, and the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames.

Emergency crews arrived to extinguish the fire, but the SUV was destroyed. Russian media noted that no one was inside the car and no residents or bystanders were injured. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Early reports speculated it may have been triggered by a remote engine-start system.

Local residents told Russian media that the vehicle belonged to a man who had only recently moved into the building. According to the Telegram channel 112, the owner is a 41-year-old doctor of physical and mathematical sciences and a specialist in quantum electronics at Moscow’s Stelmakh Research Institute “Polyus.” The scientist is currently on a business trip in Southeast Asia.

The Polyus institute—part of the Rostec-owned Shvabe holding—develops laser rangefinders, targeting systems for precision weapons, including missiles, and laser gyroscopes for aircraft navigation. The institute is under US and EU sanctions for its role in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Earlier, explosions rocked the south of Russia, resulting in the elimination of three members of the Russian National Guard.

Among the dead was a lieutenant colonel of the Russian National Guard who led a unit of the special detachment “Avangard.” His aide and driver were also killed.

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