Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia on the evening of May 1, injuring at least 31 people and causing widespread damage, according to regional officials.
The head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration (OVA), Ivan Fedorov, reported at 10:07 p.m. on Telegram that the city was under heavy drone attack and urged residents to take shelter.
By 10:29 p.m., Fedorov said over 10 strikes had hit the city.
“The Russians launched at least 10 strikes on Zaporizhzhia. There were several fires... All details are being established,” he wrote on Telegram.
Initially, he reported the death of a 61-year-old man due to the attack. However, this was later corrected: “Rescuers have just unblocked the victim from under the rubble. Medics are taking him to the hospital,” he clarified.
Fedorov said that several people were trapped under debris at the strike sites.
Photos and videos posted by Fedorov show the aftermath of the attacks, including damage from Shahed drones. He said private houses, apartment buildings, schools, and infrastructure were among the targets.
According to the State Emergency Service (DSNS), the strikes occurred between 22:05 and 22:20. One multi-story residential building was destroyed, with a fire covering 100 square meters. Fires also broke out at two other locations, damaging five garages.
By the morning of May 2, Fedorov confirmed that 29 people were injured, including a 13-year-old boy. Victims suffered concussions, blast injuries, cuts, burns, and fractures. Twelve people remain hospitalized.
During the national telethon, Fedorov revealed that 27 high-rise buildings, over 10 private homes, several non-residential structures, and educational institutions were damaged in the overnight Russian drone attack.
He added that the premises of the Ukrzaliznytsia locomotive repair plant - a civilian facility specializing in the repair of passenger electric locomotives - were also destroyed.
Fedorov said that it will take several days to fully assess the damaged sites’ condition. However, utility crews began cleanup and recovery efforts immediately after the attack.
The Ukrainian Air Force on Telegram reported that beginning at 21:30 on May 1, Russian forces launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine using 150 Shahed-type attack UAVs and other simulator drones from various regions.
The assault was repelled by Ukrainian aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, and mobile fire teams.
“As of 08:00, 64 Shahed attack drones and other UAVs were confirmed destroyed across the eastern, northern, and central regions,” the Air Force said.
Additionally, 62 Russian simulator drones were lost due to malfunctions or misdirection, with no reported damage.
The Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions were among those impacted by the attack.
In his latest Telegram update, Fedorov reported that the number of injured from the recent attack on Zaporizhzhia has risen to 31, including two children.
“People injured in yesterday’s attack on the regional center continue to arrive at the Zaporizhzhia hospital,” he said.
According to Fedorov, seven people are currently hospitalized.
The news might be updated