Deadly Kramatorsk bus strike claims 33 lives: Two cities halt public transport
Photo: The death toll continues to rise in Kramatorsk (@VadymFilashkin)
At least 30 civilians were killed in a Russian strike on a passenger bus in Kramatorsk. The number of injured has also increased, according to Donetsk Regional Military Administration Head Vadym Filashkin.
“Thirty-three people were killed and another 18 were injured in a Russian strike on a passenger bus in Kramatorsk carrying people. The strike caused fires in two buses and in an open area. Rescuers provided assistance to the injured and extinguished the fires,” Filashkin said.
Amid escalating Russian attacks, the head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration made an urgent decision regarding public transportation.
"Given the sharp deterioration in the security situation, I have instructed the Kramatorsk and Sloviansk city military administrations to suspend public transportation services," Filashkin said.
He stressed that Russian forces are deliberately and specifically targeting civilians.
According to the regional governor, a bus carrying passengers is an attractive target for the enemy precisely because a single strike can kill as many people as possible.
Aftermath of the Russian strike on a bus in Kramatorsk (Photo: dsns_telegram)
"Under such circumstances, we have no right to risk the lives of passengers and drivers. The safety of the residents of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk is our top priority right now. I ask for understanding regarding this decision," Filashkin added.
Aftermath of the Russian strike on a bus in Kramatorsk (Photo: dsns_telegram)
Updated at 01:14 pm Kyiv time
Three people were killed in the village of Bilenke in the Kramatorsk community as a result of a Russian attack. Rescuers recovered one of the victims from under the rubble of a private house.
What is known about previous Russian attacks on Kramatorsk
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that on the evening of September 22, Russian forces dropped an aerial bomb on a residential district of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region. As a result of the strike, a church and apartment buildings were damaged.
Russian forces had also previously struck an evacuation center in the city with an aerial bomb.
On September 13, Russian aircraft dropped four aerial bombs on the city. Six people were injured in that attack.
