On the night of 28 August, Russian troops attacked the «Nova Poshta» warehouses in Sviatopetrivske, in the Bilohorod community in the Kyiv region, and damaged a nearby production facility. About an hour later, whilst the State Emergency Service was extinguishing the fire, Russia struck the location twice more. Rescue workers withdrew to a safer place; details of any possible casualties are being clarified.
Briefly about the main points
- The strikes hit «Nova Poshta» warehouses and a neighbouring factory.
- Following the attack, a major fire broke out in Svyatopetrivsk.
- Whilst the operation was underway, the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry carried out two further strikes on the location.
- The rescue workers moved to a safer place ahead of further attacks.
- Due to the smoke, traffic was restricted and people were urged to stay at home.
Fire at a warehouse site and the response of the emergency services
The head of the Bilohorod community reported on the consequences of the attack Anton Ovsienko. A major fire broke out following the strikes: thick plumes of black smoke rose above the industrial part of the town.
Emergency services continued to work at the scene this morning. Details of the fatalities and injuries are still being confirmed.
Repeated attacks disrupted the clean-up operation
Whilst the fire was being extinguished, two further attacks took place on the site. The emergency services spotted the danger and withdrew, avoiding being directly hit.
Due to a new aerial threat, State Emergency Service units have been forced to leave the danger zone, which is hampering fire-fighting efforts. The day before, on 27 August, rescue workers in the Kyiv region also had to suspend fire-fighting operations due to repeated threats.
Residents were warned about smoke and traffic restrictions
Due to heavy smoke, residents of Svyatopetrivsk and neighbouring settlements were urged to keep their windows and doors closed and not to go outside unless absolutely necessary.
Traffic has been temporarily restricted to allow fire engines and other emergency vehicles to pass. Certain sections of Industrialna and Chornovola Streets, as well as part of Kyivska Street in the direction of Boyarka, have been closed. Drivers are asked to use alternative routes.
Attacks on logistics facilities in Kyiv and the surrounding region
In early August, a Russian attack destroyed sorting centre «Nova Poshta» in Kyiv. Three people were killed and a further eight were injured.
The full extent of the damage in Svyatopetrivsk and any potential loss of life are currently being assessed.
