Kyiv: Explosion in a skyscraper. At least one person died

At least one person was killed in a nighttime explosion in a several-story high apartment building in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. A rescue operation is underway at the site. Several premises have been destroyed and firefighters are searching other flats for victims. The cause of the explosion was probably a leaking gas cylinder.

In the heart of Kyiv, a city steeped in history and brimming with vibrant life, an unimaginable catastrophe unfolded. A colossal explosion rocked a towering skyscraper, shattering the tranquility of the bustling metropolis. As the dust settled and the reality of the devastation set in, a new and insidious threat emerged—an unrelenting fire that engulfed the building, posing a grave danger to both lives and the surrounding urban landscape.

An explosion took place in a Kyiv skyscraper in the night from Wednesday to Thursday. The building has 16 floors, and the explosion occurred in the middle floors.

At least one person was killed, another 18 were evacuated. It is not yet known whether the victims are in a life-threatening condition.

Fire after an explosion in a Kyiv skyscraper

Dozens of firefighters rushed to the spot as a fire broke out as a result of the explosion. The services estimate that between four and six apartments in the building have been destroyed.

It was initially determined that the cause of the explosion was a leaking gas cylinder. Firefighters search devastated premises in search of potential injuries and fatalities.

So far, there is no evidence that Thursday's outbreak is related to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Ambulances and fire trucks are all around the building. Uniforms use a boom to put out the flames.

“The cause of the explosion has not yet been established” wrote in the morning communiqués of DSNS and the mayor of Kyiv, Vitaly Klitschko, published on Telegram.