Drone strike on Kharkiv ignites massive fire, claims seven lives including three children

Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv region, reported the devastating effect of the Russian assault on this Ukrainian city. Syniehubov announced the heartbreaking news via Telegram, stating, "Unfortunately, the death toll from the invader's assaults on Kharkiv has increased to seven."

Initially, local authorities reported one fatality. However, subsequent reports revised the initial figure, first to five, and later to the current count of seven fatalities.

During the attack on Kharkiv, Russia utilized drones, one of which struck a gas station, sparking a massive explosion and subsequent fire. The fire, fueled by the ignited petrol, spread rapidly, destroying a total of 15 houses.

Police camera footage shows the initial moments of the disaster in Kharkiv. Patrol officers were among the earliest response teams on the scene, promptly beginning evacuation procedures and working with rescue teams to contain the fire and prevent further expansion to neighboring properties.

According to information provided by the army via Telegram, Russian forces dispatched a combined total of 31 Shahed-type drones towards the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Kharkiv overnight. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed 23 of these drones.