The death toll from the Russian missile strike on Pryluky in the Chernihiv region continues to rise. The bodies of three children have been recovered from the rubble of the destroyed high-rise block. According to the latest figures from the National Police, nine people have died and a further 38 have been injured, including seven children. The search and rescue operation is ongoing — there may still be people trapped under the rubble of the building.
- A Russian missile struck a five-storey residential block in Pryluky.
- Two of the building’s entrance blocks have been destroyed.
- The death toll has risen to nine, including three children.
- 38 people were injured, including seven children.
The bodies of three children were recovered from the rubble
Russian troops attacked Pryluky on the morning of 7 October. One of the strikes hit a five-storey residential block directly, whilst the residents were still in their flats.
As a result of the impact Two stairwells in the building have been completely destroyed. Throughout the morning, rescue workers were clearing away concrete rubble and searching for people in the destroyed flats. At 11.10, the Chernihiv Regional State Administration reported that nine people had already been confirmed dead, including three children.
The National Police have clarified the number of victims — 38 people were injured, including seven children.
Two blocks of flats have effectively ceased to exist
The extent of the damage can be seen in photographs taken at the scene of the attack. The central part of the building has collapsed over several storeys; the floors, flats and external walls have been destroyed.
According to the investigation, Russian troops attacked Pryluky cruise missiles. In addition to the high-rise block, neighbouring residential buildings, cars, a business premises and the Children’s and Young People’s Creative Centre were damaged.
Law enforcement agencies have opened criminal proceedings in connection with a war crime that resulted in the loss of life.
It is believed that the Russians used an X-101 cruise missile in the attack.
The search for people trapped under the rubble continues
The search and rescue operation is not yet complete. Rescue workers, police officers, medical staff, utility services and other units are working at the scene. Heavy machinery is being used to clear large pieces of debris from the floors.
As some of the flats were buried under concrete structures weighing several tonnes, the final death toll may change.
That is precisely why the latest figures were updated several times throughout the morning: initially, four deaths and 20 injuries were reported; later, the figures rose to five, then six, and by 11.00 the death toll had risen to nine.
The Creative Centre and the business have been damaged
The missile strike on the city was not limited to a residential block of flats.
The investigation confirmed the damage Children’s and Young People’s Creative Centre, one of the businesses, other residential buildings and cars.
The town has also experienced problems with its gas supply. Following the attack, more than 18,000 residents of Pryluky have been temporarily left without gas due to damage to the networks.
Pryluky became one of the main targets of the night-time attack
The attack on the city was part of a large-scale combined attack Russia’s attacks on Ukraine on the night of 7 October.
Russian forces used ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as attack and jet-powered drones. The main damage was recorded in Kyiv, Kremenchuk, Pryluky, Dnipro and other cities.
During the attack, the Air Force reported that cruise missiles were moving through the northern and central regions. Monitoring sources recorded several groups of missiles heading towards Pryluky; however, the exact number and type of munitions targeting the town itself are to be determined by the military and investigators.
Rescue operations at the site of the collapsed five-storey block of flats are continuing.
