The Public Prosecutor’s Office will investigate the legality of storing explosive objects and materials at a factory in the village of Mila, in the Kyiv region. A large-scale fire and an explosion occurred there following a Russian attack. There have been fatalities and six people have been injured, whilst over 200 people have been evacuated from the danger zone, according to law enforcement agencies and local authorities.
Briefly about the main points
- Following the Russian Federation’s attack, a fire broke out and explosions occurred at the factory in Mila.
- The investigation will examine the permits, approvals and decisions made by officials regarding the storage of materials.
- There have been fatalities and six people have been injured; over 200 people, including children, have been evacuated.
- One house was destroyed and a further seven were damaged by the explosions.
- Traffic on a section of the M-06 motorway was temporarily completely closed.
The crash or impact of a drone caused damage and led to an evacuation
According to preliminary information from the Office of the Prosecutor General, at around 8.10 pm on 28 August, a drone crashed or was shot down on the premises of a company in the village of Mila, Bucha District. The type of UAV is being determined.
One private residential house was completely destroyed by the explosions, and a further seven were damaged. A fire engine and a care home for the elderly were also damaged.
Due to the danger, more than 200 residents, including children, were evacuated from the area. An incident command centre has been set up at the scene; rescue workers, the police and other emergency services are continuing their work.
Investigators are looking into the legality of storing hazardous materials
The Office of the Prosecutor General has stated that the investigation covers the circumstances of the blast and the factors that may have exacerbated its consequences. Law enforcement agencies will investigate whether the company was lawfully storing and handling explosive items and materials on its premises.
The investigation will focus on the necessary permits and approvals. Separately, the investigators will assess the actions of officials who may have taken decisions regarding the disposal or storage of these materials.
A pre-trial investigation has been launched into the waging of an aggressive war — Article 437 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The case is also being investigated for possible professional negligence under Article 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The opening of proceedings under this section does not imply that specific officials are found guilty. The investigation must establish the circumstances surrounding the drone’s crash or impact, the nature of the materials that detonated, the conditions under which they were stored, and the possible liability of those who took the relevant decisions.
A section of the Kyiv–Chop motorway was closed due to repeated explosions
After detonation initiation The police completely closed the M-06 «Kyiv–Chop» international motorway, known as the Zhytomyr Motorway. The restrictions were in place between the 15th and 32nd kilometres in both directions.
Traffic was blocked due to the risk of further explosions and to allow rescue workers to carry out their work. At the same time, investigators are establishing the full sequence of events on the factory premises.
