In Khmelnytskyi, a gas explosion in a six-story apartment building on Ternopil Street has resulted in injuries to five individuals, including a child. This was reported by the State Emergency Service on Facebook.
“There was an explosion in an apartment building in Khmelnytskyi, injuring 5 people, including one child. Nine apartments were partially destroyed, and another 15 were damaged,” the statement said.
According to preliminary reports, there may be a person trapped under the rubble.
All emergency services are currently working at the scene: rescuers, medical personnel, gas service representatives, Red Cross volunteers, emergency service psychologists, and law enforcement officers. A resilience point and a psychological support center have also been established.
The circumstances and cause of the explosion are being investigated by the relevant authorities.
As noted by Vasyl Novachok, the deputy mayor of Khmelnytskyi, 18 apartments will need to be evacuated due to the explosion.
“According to preliminary information, there was a gas leak in one of the apartments, which led to the explosion. One entrance was severely damaged. A commission is currently working to find temporary housing for those affected,” Novachok stated.
He mentioned that some of these 18 apartments are beyond repair, and serious construction work will be necessary in the building.
Currently, all utilities have been turned off in the four-entrance building.
Law enforcement has opened a criminal case regarding the gas explosion under Part 2 of Article 270 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violating fire or technogenic safety requirements). Police are continuing to interview witnesses and residents of the building to determine if anyone is trapped under the debris.