Criminal proceedings opened over explosion at ammunition depot in Myla in Kyiv region: death toll rises to 37 — Center for Investigative Journalism

The SBU opened a criminal case over a Russian strike on depots in the village of Myla in Bucha district, Kyiv region, and the secondary detonation of ammunition. The death toll has risen to 37 people, and four more are considered missing. Among the injured are two children. A day of mourning was declared in Kyiv region on 30 August.

This was reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Security Service of Ukraine, Kyiv Regional Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko, and head of the national police directorate in Kyiv region Andriy Rubel.

“A horrific situation and horrific negligence by those who stored explosive materials right next to people. Extensive destruction, and as of now it is known that 37 people have died. The head of the community died while helping with the rescue operation. My condolences to all relatives and loved ones. Rubble is still being cleared; unfortunately, the number of dead may increase,” Zelenskyy said in an address to Ukrainians.

He noted that all necessary forces have been involved in eliminating the consequences of the strike and the fire, and in providing assistance to people.

“I expect that the details will be presented to the public promptly. The first impact was on a storage site for ammunition, which definitely should not have been there — depots of the Defense Forces. Detonation of shells, mines, other ammunition, and drones. A significant scale. We spoke with the Prosecutor General, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the SBU, and the General Staff — they have everything necessary for the investigation,” the president added.

According to the Security Service of Ukraine, SBU investigators have opened a criminal case over the Russian strike on depots in Myla, Bucha district, Kyiv region, and the secondary detonation of ammunition.

The pretrial investigation is being conducted under Art. 437 (crime of aggression) and Art. 425 (negligent treatment of military service) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

“It has been established that as a result of the strike by a Russian drone of the ‘Geran-4’ type and the secondary detonation of ammunition, at least 37 people were killed. Also damaged: about 130 houses, as well as a number of other civilian facilities,” the report says.

Investigators and prosecutors are determining all the circumstances of the tragedy.

The head of Kyiv region police reported 19 injured people as a result of the explosions in Myla.

“In Bucha district it is known that 37 people were killed, and 4 more are considered missing. 19 people were injured, including two children, two police officers, and State Emergency Service personnel. The victims are receiving necessary medical assistance,” Rubel wrote on social media.

He added that 130 houses, 18 vehicles, 2 garages, a warehouse and 2 noncommercial premises, 2 shops, 3 gas stations, an enterprise, an institution and a boarding house were damaged. Also destroyed were 3 residential properties.

In turn, Tymur Tkachenko reported that 30 August has been declared a day of mourning in Kyiv region for the victims of the Russian attack.

“As a sign of sorrow and remembrance, the national flags of Ukraine will be lowered in Kyiv region. Entertainment events will be restricted. I ask that you treat this with respect and understanding, and also limit loud music in the region,” Tkachenko wrote on Telegram.

Reminder:

In Kyiv region, as a result of an aerial attack by Russian forces on the evening of 28 August on an enterprise in the village of Myla, Bucha district, there are dead and wounded. As a result of the fire at the depots and the subsequent detonation, significant destruction of surrounding infrastructure was recorded: residential houses, a boarding house for the elderly and people with disabilities were damaged. People were evacuated from the scene.