A strike hit passenger buses near a bus stop in Kramatorsk, in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, on Thursday, October 8, killing at least 30 people, according to initial reports. The reported death toll later rose to 33, with 18 people wounded, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported, citing regional authorities and the prosecutor’s office.
The casualty figures changed as officials issued updates. The initial figure of 30 dead should therefore be understood as an earlier count, rather than the latest reported toll.
Officials attribute attack to Russian strike
The Donetsk regional prosecutor’s office said an aerial bomb hit a vehicle at about 10 a.m., according to the supplied reporting. Other accounts described the weapon as a glide bomb and said two buses were struck.
Ukrainian officials attributed the attack to Russia. Claims that civilians were deliberately targeted are allegations by Ukrainian authorities; the available reporting does not independently establish intent.
Public transport suspended
Public transport was suspended after the attack, according to the reporting. The supplied information does not provide further details about how long the suspension lasted or when service might resume.
Associated Press and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports published on October 8 corroborated that passenger buses were hit near a stop in Kramatorsk. The Guardian also identified Kramatorsk as the location.