Powerful explosion rocks central Kramatorsk - Here's what we know
Photo: A powerful explosion was heard in the center of Kramatorsk (Getty Images)
A strong explosion rocked the center of Kramatorsk today, July 31, with a large plume of smoke rising over the city following a reported Russian missile strike, the Kramatorsk City Council and local media inform.
This afternoon, July 31, the center of Kramatorsk came under hostile Russian attack. A column of smoke rose from the scene after the explosion.
According to preliminary information, a Russian strike targeted a residential building in the center of Kramatorsk.
Public transit disrupted
In response to the attack, Kramatorsk's public transportation operator announced temporary changes to several bus routes:
- Route 11;
- Route 11L;
- Route 16A.
As of 3:13 p.m. local time, according to the Head of the Kramatorsk city military administration, Oleksandr Honcharenko, there are casualties due to preliminary data.
Later, at 3:58 p.m. local time, Head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration Vadym Filashkin said that at least 1 person was killed and 11 more were injured in Kramatorsk.
Photo: Russians hit Kramatorsk (t.me/VadymFilashkin)
"The Russians launched a targeted strike on a 5-story building, and half of the building was completely destroyed. Among the injured, 1 person is in serious condition," Filashkin noted.
According to the Head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, all responsible services are currently working at the scene.
"Once again, I urge you: be responsible! Evacuate promptly!" Filashkin added.
Situation in Kramatorsk direction
In recent days, the commander of a drone battalion from Ukraine's 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Konstantin Ostrozky, Mykhailo Trach, described how Russian assault troops have attempted to breach Ukrainian positions using motorcycles and even disguises resembling dog suits.
Earlier this month, a Russian guided bomb struck a residential multi-story building in the city, killing a child and injuring five people.
Just over a week ago, on July 22, Russian forces launched seven shells at Kramatorsk, hitting both industrial zones and residential areas.
Before that, the city came under fire twice more, with private homes targeted and civilians wounded.
