Explosions at a training ground near Khmelnytskyi: investigation does not rule out sabotage

Law enforcement is checking two main versions of the uncontrolled detonation of ammunition at a military training ground near Khmelnytskyi: possible sabotage and violation of ammunition handling rules during unloading.

According to the first version, the explosions could have resulted from intentional actions. According to another, the initial detonation could have been caused by failure to follow established rules during ammunition unloading. Investigators continue to gather evidence to confirm or refute each of the assumptions.

The incident occurred on July 31, 2026, at about 11:55 a.m. On the territory of a training ground of one of the military units, an explosion rang out, after which ammunition detonation began. Explosions continued during the day.

As of August 4, five servicemen are considered missing. Another eight received bodily injuries of varying degrees of severity. According to law enforcement, there is no threat to their lives.

There are no casualties among the civilian population. At the same time, specialists continue to document damage to residential buildings and other property located near the military facility.

Investigators have already completed the examination of the incident site, appointed a set of forensic examinations, interrogated the command and servicemen, and also interviewed the victims. In addition, law enforcement seized service documentation and are establishing the exact number of ammunition that detonated.

Rescuers continue demining the area outside the training ground. According to the relevant services, there is no threat of repeated explosions. After the security measures are completed, a special commission should thoroughly inspect the territory of the military facility and assess the consequences of the incident.

The criminal proceedings were preliminary qualified under part 2 of Article 414 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - violation of rules for handling weapons, substances and items that pose an increased danger to the environment and caused bodily injuries to several people.

Pre-trial investigation is conducted by investigators of the State Bureau of Investigations under the procedural guidance of the Khmelnytskyi Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the Sphere of Defense of the Western Region.

According to: the Prosecutor General's Office