Attack on Dnipro: 12 bodies and body fragments not identified, 17 people considered missing

As of 18 January, 12 bodies and body fragments that have been found during clearing away the rubble of a multi-storey building in Dnipro city destroyed by a Russian missile on 14 January remain unidentified; another 17 people are still on the missing persons' list.

Source: Nataliia Babachenko, Adviser to the Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on air during the 24/7 national joint newscast

Quote: "The rescue operation ended yesterday [17 January – ed.]. As of now, the Russian missile took 45 lives. Bodies and body frangents of of 12 people have not yet been identified. Only 3 people were identified during these 24 hours. 17 people are still missing; of course, they may be among those who have not yet been identified."

Details: According to Babachenko, the number of wounded has increased to 80 over the last day. An 80-year-old woman asked for medical help before dinner, so she was hospitalised with concussion and head injury. Still, there are 25 people in hospitals, including 3 children.

Babachenko added that three children were orphaned as a result of the tragedy – in particular, a brother and sister who are now in the hospital. They were fleeing from Russian attacks, so they moved with their parents from Nikopol. The children are survived by their grandmother and uncle, who are currently obtaining custody.

Parents of a 4-year-old girl were also killed. The little girl was visiting her grandmother at the time of the explosion. According to Babachenko, now the grandmother is obtaining custody.

Babachenko noted that 4 of the 18 entrances to the building are unsuitable for living. About 400 people are left homeless.

At the same time, communications are already being restored in the building. Most entrances have had light and heating as of the morning of 18 January. There are certain difficulties with the restoration of water supplies, but this service is also promised to be restored in a few days.

Background:

• A Russian missile hit a multi-storey residential building in Dnipro on 14 January. The latest reports indicate that the attack has claimed the lives of 45 people, including 6 children.
• Russian forces hit the Dnipro apartment block with an Kh-22 missile designed to destroy aircraft carrier groups at sea. British Defence Intelligence said that Kh-22 missiles are "notoriously inaccurate".
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised punishment for all those behind the attack.
• On 17 January, search and rescue works in Dnipro were over; media reported that 45 people, including 6 children had been killed.

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