The State Bureau of Investigations is examining two main theories regarding the uncontrolled detonation of ammunition at a military training ground on the outskirts of Khmelnytskyi on 31 July: possible breaches during transport or unloading, and sabotage. Five servicemen are considered missing, whilst eight have sustained injuries; their lives are not in danger.
Briefly about the main points
- An explosion occurred at the firing range near Khmelnytskyi on 31 July at around 11.55.
- Investigators are looking into possible breaches during the transport or unloading of ammunition, as well as the possibility of sabotage.
- Five soldiers who were unloading ammunition are considered missing.
- Eight service personnel were injured; their lives are not in danger.
- The State Emergency Service is clearing the area outside the military facility of mines.
What circumstances are the investigators establishing?
According to the State Bureau of Investigation, the first explosion may have been caused by a breach of regulations during the transport or unloading of ammunition. Investigators are also examining the possibility of sabotage aimed at destroying the weapons.
An explosion at a military facility It began at around 11.55 am on 31 July and lasted almost until the end of the day. Staff from the State Bureau of Investigation are working at the scene alongside the command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Special Operations Forces, the National Police and the State Emergency Service, helping to deal with the aftermath.
Investigators interviewed the unit’s command, military personnel and the victims. They seized documents relating to the storage, transport and unloading of ammunition, and, once the detonation had been completed, carried out a preliminary inspection of the scene.
Search operations for military personnel and subsequent actions
As of 3 August, five servicemen are considered missing. According to preliminary information from the State Bureau of Investigation, they were unloading ammunition at a military unit’s depot. During the search operation, body parts were discovered and sent for forensic and molecular genetic analysis to identify the deceased. Further necessary examinations have also been arranged.
Eight military personnel sustained injuries of varying severity. Rescue workers are continuing to clear the area of mines outside the site, whilst damage to residential buildings and other property is being recorded in the vicinity. A special commission is to be set up to carry out work directly at the training ground.
The case has been provisionally classified under Part 2 of Article 414 of the Criminal Code — a breach of the rules governing the handling of weapons, substances and highly dangerous objects, resulting in bodily harm to several people. The investigation is being personally overseen by the leadership of the State Bureau of Investigation, whilst procedural supervision is being carried out by the Khmelnytskyi Specialised Prosecutor’s Office for Defence Matters in the Western Region.
Further investigation
The seized documentation, statements from military personnel and the findings of the appointed expert investigations should help the investigation establish the circumstances of the incident and provide a legal assessment of any decisions, actions or omissions that may have led to serious consequences.
