A Russian military colonel was killed in a car explosion in St. Petersburg on Thursday morning.

Axar.az reports, citing Russian media, that the vehicle exploded on Kolpinskoye Highway in the Shushary settlement, in the Slavyanka neighborhood.

According to reports, the officer served as chief navigator of the 6th Guards Leningrad Red Banner Air Force and Air Defense Army. His identity has not been disclosed.

Eyewitnesses said the explosion occurred at around 7:00 a.m. in a parking lot near a Lenta supermarket and a gas station. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, and Kolpinskoye Highway was closed.

An explosive device had been attached to the underside of the vehicle and was detonated remotely as the colonel was leaving the courtyard.

A criminal case has been opened on suspicion of murdering a serviceman.