Russian forces launched three missile strikes on Chernihiv on April 17, hitting near the city center. Dead and many wounded reported, according to Viacheslav Chaus, the head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, and Oleksandr Lomako, the acting mayor of Chernihiv. Informs RBC-Ukraine.
"The enemy carried out three missile strikes near the city center. There are civilian fatalities as well as many wounded. Rescue workers and our medical personnel are currently working at the scene. They are providing all necessary assistance," Chaus said.
Relief center has been established
According to the head of the regional administration, a relief center for the victims has already been established at the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Chernihiv region.
"If you need police assistance, call the 102 hotline. Dear citizens! If you are looking for your relatives, please call 093-241-09-87," law enforcement officials said.
Lomako said that the strike hit civilian and social infrastructure objects in Chernihiv.
"Hospitals are operating in an enhanced mode and are already admitting the first victims," he added.
Later, Chaus appealed for blood donation due to shortages caused by the mass shelling of the city.
4 dead and 5 injured
Four fatalities were reported around 10:00 AM.
"Unfortunately, at the moment, the information about 4 fatalities has been confirmed. From what I see, the number could be higher, unfortunately. There are still many unexplored objects. There are injured people turning for help to city hospitals. In particular, most reports of injured are in our hospital - 5 people currently. But I think there are more of them," Lomako said.
Death toll rises
Around 10:30 AM, 5 people have been reported killed.
"Unfortunately, we already know about five dead. The search operation is still ongoing. Let me remind you that all services are working at the scene and the main task is to help the victims," said Lomako.
As of 10:40 AM, there are 8 dead and 18 injured as a result of Russian missile attacks on Chernihiv.
"The search and rescue operation is ongoing," said Lomako.
Consequences of missile attack
According to Lomako, at 9:03 AM, three explosions were heard in the city, including in densely populated areas.
"Direct hit on a social infrastructure building. An 8-story building. Elements of the walls of 6 floors - from the third to the sixth floor and the extension to it - are visually destroyed.," he added.
In addition, nearby buildings were damaged, as well as many cars in the area.
"There is social urban infrastructure. It is a densely populated area, the intersection of two streets. So there was a lot of traffic at that time," the acting mayor of Chernihiv said.
Power and gas outages, and a lot of destruction
In addition, local media reported problems with electricity in the city. This was confirmed by Lomako, who said that the consequences of the attack are currently being eliminated, so all communications, including electricity and gas, have been cut off in the affected area to prevent more damage.
"These are not critical infrastructure facilities, so it (outages - ed.) does not affect them in any way. There will be problems in the area for a while. The main task now is the search and rescue operation... There is a lot of destruction in the area. So I think there is still a lot of work to be done," he said.
