On May 4, Russian forces launched a missile strike on the town of Merefa in the Kharkiv region, resulting in at least six fatalities and numerous injuries. The attack occurred around 9:40 AM, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
According to Oleg Synehubov, head of the Kharkiv regional administration, the deceased include two men aged 50 and 63, and two women aged 41 and 52. Additionally, a woman was reported dead at the scene, while another man succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
Among the injured, three individuals are in critical condition, and 13 others are reported to have moderate injuries. Two people are experiencing acute stress reactions, as stated by Synehubov.
Synehubov noted the severity of the missile strike, indicating that further medical assistance may be required as the situation develops. Emergency response teams, including the State Emergency Service and national police, are currently on-site managing the aftermath.
“The blast was powerful, occurring right in the middle of the city. Ten private homes and several administrative buildings were severely damaged, along with various commercial properties,” Synehubov explained during a national broadcast. “We anticipate it will take one or two days to clear the debris and assess the full extent of the damage.”
Three individuals had already died before medical personnel arrived, and another passed away en route to the hospital, according to Viktor Zabashhta, director of the Emergency Medical Center. The youngest victim among the injured is just 19 years old.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Russian forces utilized an Iskander-type ballistic missile for the attack, as reported by local prosecutors. The strike has left significant destruction in its wake, affecting at least ten residential properties, four shops, a service station, an administrative building, two vehicles, and a food establishment.
A missile strike in Merefa on May 4 resulted in multiple casualties and injuries, leading to extensive damage in the area. Emergency services are continuing their response efforts as investigations reveal the use of a ballistic missile.