The Ukrainian city of Khmelnytskyi was rocked by huge explosion after Russia reportedly sent 21 drones to an army silo causing enormous fireball which injured dozens.
Vladimir Putin appears to be targeting ammunition sent by NATO countries and stored in west Ukraine as Kyiv’s counter-offensive approaches.
According to the Khmelnytskyi Oblast State Administration, only two of the victims were hospitalized of the ‘nearly 30’ injured.
Overnight on May 12, Russians are said to have attacked Ukraine with Shahed drones.
The air raid alert blared at 3:05 am and within an hour, residents heard loud explosions.
Four drones hit an army facility causing an explosion which damaged nearby residential properties, as well as other buildings. Another 17 drones were shot down by air defense.
Khmelnytskyi Oblast Military Administration said: ‘Today, the enemy once again attacked Khmelnytskyi with a strike drone, hitting one of the critical infrastructure facilities of the region, located outside the settlements.
‘However, as of now, we have 21 injured people. Two of them were hospitalised, the others received medical assistance and were transferred to outpatient treatment’.
Yuriy Ihnat, spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said: ‘Unfortunately, not all drones were destroyed that night – 17 out of 21 UAVs. There are four hits in Khmelnytskyi region.’
Ihnat noted that Russia launches drones from different directions.
Mayor Oleksandr Simchyshyn confirmed almost 30 victims are known, he said: ‘The degree of injuries is small, mostly cut wounds from broken glass and shock wounds from falling doors, ceilings, etc. There is no threat to people’s lives.’
One resident of the village of Oleshin, located not far from the explosion, told vsim.ua: ‘It was so loud. I have an 8-month-old baby, she even jumped on the crib.
‘After the first explosion, we all woke up and went down to the basement. 3-4 explosions were also heard from there.
‘They were so strong that the plaster from the cellar fell. The child shuddered, was afraid and cried at every sound.
‘In our house, the metal entrance door was folded almost in half. The window completely flew out. The people in the village were in such trouble. Some had their roofs, balconies, and front doors completely blown off.’
(DAILY MAIL UK)