Ukraine: 37 dead near Kyiv after ammunition depot hit
People walk around the site of a Russian strike on an ammunition storage warehouse near Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday. At least 37 people died, and many others were injured. Photo by Sergey Dolzhenko/EPA
Aug. 29 (UPI) — At least 37 people are dead and many more wounded after a Russian drone hit an ammunition warehouse, which then caused a large fire and several explosions in a residential area near Kyiv.
The attack on Friday, which was in Myla, in the Kyiv district, was part of a barrage of aerial attacks by Russia. But the ammunition depot made the attack much worse.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelinsky said he would punish those who allowed explosive materials storage so close to homes.
“Since yesterday evening and throughout the day today, I have been receiving reports on the situation in the village of Myla, Kyiv region, where detonation began following a Russian strike. A terrible situation and terrible negligence on the part of those who stored explosives right next to people,” Zelensky posted on X.
“I want to separately thank everyone who is there on the ground and at other sites of Russian strikes, doing everything possible to help and save people,” he added.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv region military administration, said that as of Saturday afternoon, 37 people were known to have died, and the toll could still rise. It is one of the deadliest Kyiv has seen since the start of the war more than four years ago, CNN reported.
“This is a terrible and irreparable loss. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who have died,” Tkachenko said.
A home for older adults and disabled people was severely damaged, The New York Times reported officials said. On Sunday, the capital region will observe a day of mourning..
Taras Didych, the long-time head of the local municipality, was killed when he arrived at the scene to help, Ukrainian authorities said.
“He always stood by his people. He did not abandon them even during the Russian occupation — he was there, offering support and assistance, and keeping the community together during one of the most terrifying periods,” CNN reported Mykola Kalashnyk, Ukraine‘s Minister for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport, said in a statement.
