On Friday, Russia launched a devastating attack on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, firing five missiles that have claimed the lives of at least four people so far, while leaving over 20 others injured. This brutal attack has resulted in extensive damage to the residential buildings and industrial facilities in the region, as confirmed by the local governor.
Adding to the tragedy, two journalists who were covering the aftermath of the missile strikes were also among those who suffered injuries in the attack. Zaporizhzhia is situated near the frontline of the ongoing conflict with Russian forces, and this attack has only magnified the already tense situation in the region.
Video footage captured by Reuters TV shows the chaotic scene that unfolded after a missile attack struck a residential area, leaving many injured and buildings damaged. The reporters present during the attack were quick to assist their colleagues who were lying injured on the ground. Emergency crews arrived shortly after to aid those affected by the blast. Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov spoke on national TV about the attack, stating that it was marked by two initial missile strikes, followed by a second round of strikes about 40 minutes later, just as rescuers and police had begun working in the affected area.
According to the local prosecutor’s office, at least 20 people, including a nine-year-old boy, were wounded in the attack. Four of the victims are currently in the hospital in critical condition. Fedorov also noted that at least three apartment blocks, 10 private houses, shops, and an unidentified industrial facility were damaged in the attack.
Reuters TV footage captured the moment when journalists were running down a residential street with explosions resounding behind them and clouds of black smoke rising. This tragic incident has shaken the entire country, and the authorities are working tirelessly to provide aid and support to the affected families.
They dropped their equipment to administer first aid to a prone female colleague with leg and arm wounds before an emergency crew arrived to take her away in an ambulance.
A second crew picked up another reporter with abdominal wounds and rushed down the street to a waiting ambulance.
Crews also encountered the body of a victim lying next to a pool of blood. At least two cars in the street were engulfed in flames.
Images shared by Fedorov and the interior ministry, captured shattered windows of a cafe and a small shop.
Ukraine’s air force issued a ballistic missile raid alert for the region, part of which is occupied by Russia. Moscow has recently stepped up usage of ballistic missiles that are harder to intercept.
Northeastern Kharkiv region was also under intense air attack in the afternoon, according to local media and regional officials. There was no immediate reports of casualties.
Earlier, Russian officials accused Ukraine of attacking the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is located southwest of the city of Zaporizhzhia and is occupied by Russian troops.
The Russian state-run RIA news agency quoted the facility press service as saying Ukrainian military drones attacked the power plant but caused no damage to its critical infrastructure.
In the past, each side in the two-year-old conflict has accused the other of shelling the plant, none of whose six reactors are operating.
