three of 12 victims identified, 16 considered missing

Lina PortmanMay 26, 2024

0 1 minute read

Three of the 12 civilians killed in a Russian airstrike targeting a home improvement hypermarket in Kharkiv on Saturday have been identified. DNA checks are underway on other bodies found at the site of the strike.

This was stated by Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, Ukrinform reports.

“The Russian attack cost the lives of 12 people and 43 others were injured. Sixteen people are missing. The judicial police and the forensic laboratory are working at the scene of the tragedy… So far, three bodies have been identified. Identification efforts are ongoing,” Klymenko said.

According to the minister, 10 family members of those missing at the scene presented their DNA samples to the police.

Read also: Borrell on attacks against Kharkov: Europe must urgently strengthen Ukraine's air defense

He called on those who have lost contact with their loved ones to contact the police.

Klymenko also said firefighters fought the fire at the impact site for 16 hours. The fire ravaged some 13,000 square meters.

As reported, on May 25, Russia launched two guided aerial bombs at the Epicent hypermarket in Kharkiv. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said that as of Sunday morning, 12 people had been confirmed dead.