At least 37 people were killed in an overnight Russian drone strike on a warehouse in the Bucha district near Kyiv, regional governor Tymur Tkachenko said on Saturday, providing an updated death toll from the attack.
The strike triggered a massive fire and a series of explosions, while also prompting criticism in Ukraine over the existence of such a facility in a populated area.
Videos circulated online and by media outlets showed a huge initial explosion followed by secondary blasts and flames spreading in multiple directions, indicating the possible presence of ammunition or other explosive materials at the site.
"Unfortunately, the number of victims in the Bucha district has now risen to 37," Tkachenko said, after previously reporting 27 deaths.
He added that the mayor of the village of Dmytrivka was among those killed.
Ukrainian authorities, which do not comment on damage to military facilities, have not provided details about the nature of the site.
However, Ukrainian prosecutors said the facility appeared to contain "explosive objects" and announced the launch of a criminal negligence investigation.
"Those who allowed this to happen must be held accountable for their decisions (...) The regulations are clear: ammunition cannot be stored near homes or other populated areas," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.
The attack is one of the deadliest reported in the Kyiv region in recent months and comes as Russian drone and missile strikes continue across Ukraine.
Sources: AFP, Reuters, AMNA, CNA
