Rescuers in Ukraine are diligently combing through the debris of a major shopping center in Kryvyi Rih following a deadly Russian drone attack that claimed the lives of at least 16 individuals and injured 130 more.
Four people are still unaccounted for since the attack on Friday. Authorities caution that search and rescue efforts might extend for another two days due to the scale of the devastation and the looming threat of additional attacks.
In a tragic turn of events, two drones targeted the bustling shopping center in rapid succession, as reported by Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack for its “cynical and despicable” nature, especially since the second strike allegedly happened while emergency workers were responding to the initial hit. Verified footage from the BBC captured the moment when the second drone hit the shopping center, which was already ablaze. Russia’s military has yet to comment publicly on the assault.
The head of Dnipropetrovsk region, Oleksandr Hanzha, remarked that rescuers are exerting every effort to speed up the search for survivors. Teams from seven other Ukrainian regions have joined forces in Kryvyi Rih for the operation. The extensive fire, covering an area of about 9,000 square meters, has been extinguished, enabling emergency personnel to continue their search within the damaged site. Hanzha later noted that 52 injured persons, including 14 children, remain hospitalized throughout the city. Kryvyi Rih’s military leader, Oleksandr Vilkul, confirmed that numerous injured individuals have already undergone surgery. The Dnipropetrovsk region is observing a day of mourning.
The lethal attack occurred amid ongoing exchanges of strikes between Russia and Ukraine overnight. It is reported that Ukrainian attacks resulted in the death of at least four people in Russia, including two children, while three individuals were killed by Russian strikes elsewhere in Ukraine.
These events highlight the persistent severity of the conflict, with both sides employing long-range drones and missiles. Ukrainian officials pointed out that the drones targeting the shopping center were flying at very low altitudes, which may have complicated interception efforts. This incident has reignited discussions on Ukraine’s air-defense capabilities, with Kyiv continually calling for more advanced systems and interceptor missiles to safeguard its cities and vital infrastructure.
BBC
