13 Killed As Russian Jet-Powered Drone Hits Two Passenger Trains At Dnipro Railway Station In Ukraine

DNIPRO: At least 13 people were killed and 10-14 others wounded on Thursday morning after a Russian jet-powered drone struck two passenger trains standing at a platform in Dnipro, central Ukraine, officials said.

 State operator Ukrzaliznytsia said the drone hit Platform at Dnipro main station around 11:00 AM local time, where Train No. 866 (Dnipro-Zaporizhzhia) commuter train was preparing to depart. Another scheduled passenger train was also standing on same platform.

What Happened:

 One jet-powered UAV hit platform directly; three others launched at area were downed by Ukrainian air defences.

Despite elevated threat level announced and loudspeaker warnings, “large number of people were still on platform,” said Ukrzaliznytsia chief Oleksandr Pertsovsky.

 Visuals show train sides blackened, windows shattered, smoke, bodies burning on platform.

 Dnipropetrovsk Governor Oleksandr Ganzha (Hanzha): 13 dead confirmed, at least 5 initially wounded, later 13-14 wounded. 4 in critical — 11-year-old boy, woman 26, men 40 and 53. All in hospital.

 Mayor Borys Filatov: “Tragedy. Many killed. Lots wounded.”

Zelenskyy Statement On X:

 “A horrific Russian strike on the railway station in Dnipro. The Russians launched a drone attack on a platform where an ordinary commuter train and a scheduled passenger train were standing. Unfortunately, 13 people have been confirmed killed as of now. My condolences...”

He asked: “Just how many terrorist strikes has Russia carried out since sanctions were lifted on certain oligarchs and Russian energy sector, rather than de-escalating? Sanctions must not be eased as long as war continues. Time for new, stronger sanctions by EU, US, G7.”

Context:

 Air travel restricted since 2022 invasion, railways remain lifeline for civilians and military.

In September alone, passengers evacuated from 5,800+ train services due to drone threats, Ukrzaliznytsia told AFP.

 Russia has destroyed hundreds of locomotives since invasion.

 Same day Russia also attacked Kharkiv educational institution and cargo vessel used by Ukrainian military in Black Sea.

Attack came even as fragile local ceasefire held for 3rd day in Russian-occupied Oleshky, where ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets was en route via Belarus.