Odessa is reeling from a massive Russian drone attack that struck the city overnight, igniting fires, injuring over a dozen people, and damaging both residential and transport infrastructure.
According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, more than ten drone impacts were recorded, triggering large-scale blazes across multiple neighborhoods. The most severe fire engulfed a four-story residential building, where rescuers saved three people and evacuated six others. During the operation, part of the structure collapsed on emergency workers, injuring three firefighters who are now hospitalized in stable condition.
A nearby 23-story residential building was also hit. Flames spread to its upper levels — floors 18, 19, and 20 — prompting the evacuation of 600 residents. Among those rescued from a blocked apartment were two children.
“Fires also affected five more residential buildings and three vehicles,” the State Emergency Service reported.
Emergency crews established a “Point of Invincibility” near one of the damaged buildings to assist affected residents. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with at least one person still believed to be trapped inside.
Odessa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov confirmed further destruction across the city. Several high-rise buildings, university facilities, and vehicles were damaged, including structures in the city center.
“A fire broke out on the coastline after a drone crashed, and the blast wave damaged recreational facilities. Emergency services are working on-site,” the mayor said, adding that a gas pipeline was also struck in another part of the city.
Rail infrastructure wasn’t spared. Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine’s national railway company, reported that the Odessa railway station sustained damage to its overhead power lines and track systems. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in that incident. Repair teams have already begun restoration work to resume normal operations.
In total, 1 person died, 14 people were injured in the attack, including the three firefighters.
