Russia unleashes mass drone strike on Odesa: fire engulfs apartment building, 1 dead

Updated at 6:12 a.m. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said a fire broke out in a nine-story apartment building as a result of the strike, engulfing the 6th to 9th floors. Firefighters and civilian volunteers managed to extinguish the blaze.

“Five people were rescued from burning apartments. Unfortunately, one of the rescued — a woman — died,” the agency said.

Rescuers also evacuated pets from the damaged apartments. Authorities are still determining how many people were injured.

Updated at 2:21 a.m. At least three people were wounded in the attack, said Oleh Kiper, head of Odesa Oblast’s administration.

“Efforts to eliminate the consequences of the massive enemy strike are ongoing. Preliminary data shows one person was killed and at least three injured. All relevant emergency services are on site,” he stated.

Updated at 2:05 a.m. One fatality has been confirmed following the Russian strike, Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said.

“One death has been confirmed. Information on the injured is being clarified. All emergency services are operating in heightened mode. Updates will follow,” he said.

Updated at 1:38 a.m. Trukhanov said a fire erupted in a high-rise building after the city was hit by Russian drones.

“Odesa was attacked by more than 20 enemy strike drones approaching the city from multiple directions. Civilian infrastructure was damaged. A residential high-rise is in flames, and rescuers are pulling people from the fire trap,” he wrote.

Updated at 1:16 a.m. Several apartment buildings were damaged in the attack, according to Kiper.

“The enemy launched a massive strike on Odesa using attack drones. Despite active efforts by our air defense forces, civilian infrastructure was damaged — specifically multi-story residential buildings. All authorized services have begun working to mitigate the aftermath of the strike,” he reported.

Details on the number of injured are still being clarified.

Earlier, explosions were reported in the city. “Explosions are being heard in the city,” Trukhanov wrote.

Before the strike, Ukraine’s Air Force had warned of incoming attack drones heading toward Odesa.