On 2 November, Russian forces carried out a series of air strikes on the village of Komyshuvakha in the Zaporizhzhia district, targeting an educational establishment where local residents were receiving humanitarian aid and taking shelter from the shelling. Following the first strike, the occupying forces struck the premises again whilst emergency services personnel were already present there. According to updated figures from the State Emergency Service, 24 people were killed, including two rescue workers and four police officers. A further five people were injured.
- On 2 November, the Russian air force attacked a school housing a humanitarian hub in Komyshuvas.
- According to the State Emergency Service, 24 people were killed and a further five were injured.
- Among the dead were two rescue workers and four National Police officers.
- A second strike took place after the emergency services arrived at the scene of the shelling.
- The regional authorities have reported that 27 people are missing; search operations are continuing.
Russia attacked a school where humanitarian aid was being distributed
According to the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, Russian aircraft carried out at least nine strikes on the centre of Komyshuvakha using FAB-3000 guided bombs.
One of the targets was an educational establishment, the premises of which were being used as a humanitarian hub. Local residents regularly came here for food and other essential aid. A shelter had also been set up in the building.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that, following the first attack, Russian forces dropped more aerial bombs on the area where people were gathered.
According to the Head of State, the Russian side was aware that humanitarian aid was regularly being distributed at this facility.
As a result of the strikes, a sports hall and a utility building were destroyed, the school premises were damaged, and a fire and rescue vehicle was destroyed.
Rescue workers and police officers were killed in a second attack
Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine Andriy Danik He reported that, following the first round of shelling, rescue workers and law enforcement officers arrived at the scene.
When there was a threat of a second attack, State Emergency Service staff took cover. However, Russian troops struck the site of the previous hit once again.
Two 44-year-old rescue workers have died — Denis Konovalenko and Oleksiy Sushchevsky.
Denis Konovalenko worked in the civil defence system for almost 12 years. Oleksiy Suschevsky began his service in 2013 and worked in the fire and rescue services in Zaporizhzhia for over 13 years.
Both had been honoured with state awards. The deceased are survived by their wives and four children.
Two more rescue workers were injured and are in hospital.
According to the latest figures from the State Emergency Service, the 24 people who died also included four National Police officers.
The search for people trapped under the rubble continues
According to preliminary figures from the regional authorities, as of the evening of 2 November, 27 people were reported missing. The search and rescue operation is ongoing.
Rescue workers, law enforcement officers, military personnel, utility services and volunteers were called in to clear the rubble.
The work is being hampered by extensive damage, smoke and the threat of further Russian attacks. Due to the dangerous situation, the emergency services are unable to make full use of the necessary equipment.
The Zaporizhzhia Regional Prosecutor’s Office has opened criminal proceedings under Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with intentional murder.
The pre-trial investigation is being carried out by SBU investigators in the Zaporizhzhia region.
