Gas Explosion in Kyiv High-Rise Building Leaves Two Dead and Several Injured
Kyiv, Ukraine – In the early hours of June 22, a powerful explosion rocked a residential 16-storey building in the Dniprovsky district of Kyiv. According to preliminary data from the Kyiv City Military Administration (KSVA), the explosion was caused by a gas leak. The incident resulted in two fatalities, with three people hospitalized and 18 others rescued.
As of this morning, the fire in the building has been localized, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The fire in the high-rise building was extinguished at 08:10, and rescue operations are ongoing.
“The explosion occurred at 03:45 on Malyshko Street in a 16-storey building. The blast caused destruction on the 7th and 8th floors, resulting in a fire that engulfed an area of 250 square meters. Four apartments were completely destroyed,” said Sergey Popko, head of the KMVA.
The KSVA updated the casualty figures at 08:30, confirming the death toll of two, with four people injured, three of whom were hospitalized. Additionally, 18 individuals were successfully rescued, and five received psychological assistance.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying scene. Oleksandr, a resident of the building, initially believed the explosion was related to a Russian attack. “The glow, the explosion, the windows fell down. At first, I thought it was an arrival. Then the water started pouring, I thought it was lightning. And then I look – there is no rain, but it is on fire,” he said.
Kyiv Mayor Klitschko confirmed the death toll had risen to two at 07:55. Among the damaged apartments, 18 residents were successfully rescued, while two individuals were hospitalized, and two others received on-site treatment.
Experts are currently investigating the cause of the explosion. Mikhail Shamanov, the press secretary of the KMVA, stated that a gas cylinder was unlikely to be the cause, suggesting a domestic gas leak as the probable reason. Shamanov emphasized that further examinations and assessments by experts would determine the fate of the building.
At present, two people remain injured, with one fatality reported. Rescue operations are ongoing, with four apartments destroyed and six others damaged.
Local channels reported that the explosion originated from a gas leak in one of the apartments, resulting in a fire that caused significant damage to the building.
Sergey Popko, the head of the KMVA, provided preliminary information about the incident. “Due to a gas leak, there was an explosion in a multi-storey residential building on two floors, causing a fire that covered an area of 150 square meters. The fire is currently being extinguished, and efforts are underway to locate missing individuals,” he stated.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and provide support to the affected residents.
What measures is the Ukrainian government taking to prevent future gas explosions in residential buildings?
Oll had risen to two, with three others in critical condition and 18 people rescued from the building. Emergency services, including firefighters and medical teams, responded quickly to the scene and worked diligently to extinguish the fire and rescue those trapped inside.
The exact cause of the gas leak is still under investigation, but authorities suspect it may have resulted from faulty gas appliances or infrastructure in the building. The explosion caused significant damage to the 7th and 8th floors, leading to the collapse of four apartments. The resulting fire spread to an area of 250 square meters before being brought under control.
Local residents were awakened by the powerful blast, with some even reporting feeling their own buildings shake. Panic ensued as people rushed to evacuate the endangered building and contact emergency services. Witnesses described a chaotic scene with smoke billowing from the windows and debris scattered across the surrounding area.
The Ukrainian government and local authorities have expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased and are providing support to those affected by the tragedy. Kyiv City Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko visited the scene and assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the explosion and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In recent years, gas explosions in residential buildings have become a concern in Ukraine. The country has been working to improve safety regulations and increase inspections to prevent such incidents. However, accidents like this highlight the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to ensure the well-being of residents.
As rescue operations continue at the Kyiv high-rise building, the focus remains on the recovery of those injured and the investigation into the cause of the gas leak. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the potential dangers posed by gas leaks in residential communities and the importance of regular maintenance and safety measures in preventing such accidents.
What a tragic incident. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by this devastating gas explosion. Hoping for a swift recovery for the injured.