The reported death toll from a Russian bombing of a school used as an aid centre and shelter in Komyshuvakha, southeastern Ukraine, rose to 40 by Wednesday, November 4, while dozens were still missing.
The attack happened on Monday, November 2, as residents gathered at the school in Zaporizhzhia region to collect humanitarian supplies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said bombs hit the site and then struck the shelter where people had taken cover. Earlier Wednesday, regional authorities listed 59 people as missing.
Some may have since been identified among those recovered. Officials said more than 30 people could still be trapped under the rubble. Rescue crews continued searching.
Police worked to identify victims, including by collecting DNA samples from relatives. Two emergency workers and four police officers were among those reported killed. Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces had targeted Ukrainian military units in the area.
It claimed up to 25 Ukrainian servicemen died. The competing accounts have not been independently verified. Ukrainian authorities said rescue work was difficult because further attacks remained a risk.