Russian troops have carried out strikes using guided aerial bombs on residential areas and an industrial zone in Zaporizhzhia, according to Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration. One munition struck a high-rise block of flats, causing partial structural damage. At least five residents have been injured, and people may be trapped under the rubble. A medical centre has also sustained significant damage.
Briefly about the main points
- One of the shells struck a multi-storey residential block.
- There may be people trapped under the collapsed structures.
- At least five residents of Zaporizhzhia were injured.
- The medical centre was severely damaged as a result of the explosions.
- Rescue workers, medical staff, the police and local authority services are working at the sites of the strikes.
Searching for people in a ruined building
One of the strikes hit a multi-storey residential block. Part of its structure has been destroyed, so experts are clearing the rubble and inspecting the damaged premises.
Suspilne Zaporizhzhia has also confirmed reports that a high-rise block has been hit and that people are likely trapped under the rubble. Rescue workers, paramedics, police and municipal services are working at the scene.
The injured are being treated
According to official data, At least five people were injured. They are receiving medical treatment. As of the evening of 23 July, there had been no reports of fatalities.
The number of casualties may change as search and rescue operations are completed and buildings are inspected. Following a preliminary attacks using KABs On 19 July, some of the victims sought medical attention after the initial reports had been issued, so the current figures are not final either.
The medical centre and the vehicles were damaged
The medical centre has suffered significant damage. Footage released by the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration shows damage to the façade and roof, shattered windows and debris scattered around the building.
Dozens of cars have been damaged near the impact sites. There is no information available on the nature of the medical centre, the scale of its operations or the number of patients present at the time of the strike, so it is currently impossible to assess the impact of the damage on the provision of services.
The region had already set up a reserve of beds for those wounded in Russian attacks: on 20 July, the Defence Council temporarily suspended routine hospital admissions. Damage to the medical facility could further complicate the work of the healthcare system, although no actual data on this has yet been made public.
Air strikes on the city intensified in July
The latest attack took place against a backdrop of increased use of guided aerial bombs against Zaporizhzhia. According to estimates by Suspilne Zaporizhzhia, in the month leading up to 14 July, Russian forces fired at least 32 guided aerial bombs at the city and its surroundings; drone strikes During this period, they became a daily occurrence.
On 19 July, aerial bombs struck a five-storey block of flats, a residential neighbourhood and an area adjacent to a nine-storey building. Three people were killed, including an 11-year-old child, and 42 people were injured. These incidents indicate an expansion in the geographical scope of strikes on urban areas, but do not provide grounds for identifying a single tactical plan on the part of the Russian forces.
Local residents are urged not to approach the sites of the strikes, not to touch any ammunition debris and not to hinder the work of the emergency services.
