Russian drone strike sparks explosions at explosives storage site near Kyiv

Mila, Ukraine. A Russian drone strike caused a major fire and a series of explosions at a facility storing explosive materials in the Bucha area near Kyiv, Ukrainian authorities said. Deaths and injuries were reported.

Evacuations and damage

The attack occurred shortly after 8pm on Friday in the village of Mila. The Kyiv regional military administration said more than 200 people, including children, were evacuated from the danger zone.

Authorities initially reported six injuries. Timur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv regional military administration, later said there had also been fatalities, without providing a final death toll.

At least one home was completely destroyed by the blast and fire, while several other buildings were damaged. Emergency services remained at the scene.

Investigation launched

Ukraine’s prosecutor’s office said a drone struck or crashed on the grounds of a business in Mila, triggering a large fire followed by multiple explosions from stored materials.

Prosecutors opened an investigation into the Russian attack and a separate inquiry into possible official negligence over the storage of the explosive materials.

Investigators are examining whether the hazardous materials were stored lawfully, whether the company had the necessary permits and whether required safety measures had been followed.

Government response

Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretsky described the incident as “criminal negligence”, referring to a previous incident in Vyshneve near Kyiv, where a Russian strike on an ammunition depot caused widespread destruction in July.

He said the recurrence of similar mistakes “in the fifth year of the full-scale invasion” was unacceptable and called for strict punishment of anyone found responsible.