Two injured in beach explosion in Zatoka, Odesa region: First updates
Photo: Police investigate explosion on Zatoka beach (Getty Images)
An explosion occurred on a beach in Zatoka, Odesa region. As a result of the incident, two people died, as reported be local social media pages and sources in law enforcement, and according to a statement from the Odesa region police.
Earlier today, local Odesa Telegram channels reported that people had died in an explosion on a Zatoka beach.
According to RBC-Ukraine sources, preliminary information indicates that two people triggered a landmine and died on the spot. After the police learned about the incident, an investigative and operational team was dispatched to the scene.
14:40. Police provide details of the tragedy
According to the Odesa region police, the explosion occurred while two men were swimming in the sea. Their identities are currently being verified by law enforcement.
The police are investigating the circumstances of the incident and are considering opening a case on the grounds of an accident.
At the same time, law enforcement urges residents and visitors of the Odesa region to avoid restricted areas and recommends that they only use beaches that have been cleared by specialists for mines and other explosive devices.
Recall that in 2023, Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, causing mines that had been placed along the Dnipro riverbanks in the Kherson region to be carried into the sea. Residents of Odesa and the Odesa region were warned that these mines could wash up on the shore and beaches.
As stated then by the operational command South, many munitions ended up in the Dnipro due to the hydroelectric plant’s destruction. One such anti-landing mine was discovered on the shore of the Odesa region at that time.
