Bus hit in Kramatorsk: 30 people killed, authorities suspend public transport

The death toll from the Russian strike on a bus in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, has risen to 30. Another 18 people were injured. Due to the sharp deterioration of the security situation, the regional authorities ordered to suspend public transport in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.

This was reported by the Prosecutor General's Office and the head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, Vadym Filashkin.

Russian troops attacked Kramatorsk on October 8 at about 10:00 a.m. According to the prosecutor's office, the city was shelled with multiple launch rocket systems. The strike hit a passenger bus carrying passengers.

Initially, law enforcement reported 12 dead and 14 wounded. However, the death toll later rose significantly.

According to updated data as of 12:15 p.m., 30 people were killed and 18 wounded. The final consequences of the shelling are still being established.

Under the procedural guidance of the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office, a pre-trial investigation has been launched into a war crime causing loss of life, under Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

After the tragedy, the head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, Vadym Filashkin, ordered the suspension of public transport in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.

The relevant instruction was given to the heads of city military administrations. The decision was made due to the increased threat to civilians, including passengers and drivers of public transport.

"In view of the sharp deterioration of the security situation, I have instructed the Kramatorsk and Sloviansk city military administrations to suspend public transport," Filashkin said.

According to him, Russian servicemen are deliberately attacking civilian objects, trying to cause maximum casualties among civilians.

The regional head stressed that under the current circumstances, the continued operation of passenger transport poses unacceptable risks to people.

"Under such circumstances, we have no right to risk the lives of passengers and drivers. The safety of the residents of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk is now paramount," he said.

The duration of the restrictions and possible timing for the resumption of public transport have not yet been specified.

Filashkin also urged residents of front-line settlements in Donetsk region to evacuate to safer regions of Ukraine.

For evacuation assistance, residents of the region can call 0-800-500-121 and +380-73-050-01-21. For evacuation of seriously ill people and persons with disabilities, a separate line 0-800-332-614 is available.

According to materials: Prosecutor General's Office, Vadym Filashkin / Donetsk Regional Military Administration