Search and rescue operations have been completed in Kharkiv in the building that was struck by a Russian missile on the night of March 7.
Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, reported this on Telegram.
“They lasted for more than two days. Rescuers dismantled heavy concrete structures meter by meter. In total, more than 2,400 cubic meters of construction debris were removed. It was a deliberate strike — in the middle of the night, when dozens of families living in this five-story building were asleep. Sadly, 10 people were killed, including two children: a 7-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl,” he said.
Fragments of bodies were also recovered from under the rubble, and identification is still ongoing. According to Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, the bodies and body fragments found under the debris indicate that the death toll as of the morning of March 9 is 11. He added that the exact number will be confirmed after forensic examinations.
Klymenko said that at least 16 people were injured in the attack, including three children.
“Dog handlers with search dogs will continue working even after the rescue operation has ended. According to reports, four people are still considered missing,” he added.
The minister noted that around 20 buildings, as well as cars and an educational institution, were damaged as a result of the strike.
“Hundreds of specialists were involved in clearing the rubble and dealing with the consequences of the missile strike. Dog handlers, climbers, engineering units, and State Emergency Service teams from other regions were working. Our psychologists provided assistance to dozens of people. The work was complicated by constant air raid alerts,” the Interior Minister said.
He also noted that on Saturday the enemy deliberately launched a second attack targeting rescue teams during their work.
“In Dnipro, three State Emergency Service vehicles were destroyed, and one in Kharkiv. This morning in the Poltava region, enemy strikes damaged three more State Emergency Service vehicles. Thanks to updated operational procedures, fortunately no personnel were injured,” Klymenko added.
