Russian missile attack on hotel in Kryvyi Rih kills 2, injures 28, including child

 

    A Russian missile struck a hotel in Kryvyi Rih killing at least 2 people and injuring 7. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine )

On March 5, Russian forces launched a missile strike on a hotel in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, resulting in two fatalities and injuring 28 others, including a child, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

The attack occurred around 10 p.m. local time, directly hitting the five-story hotel. Among the deceased was a 53-year-old man, while details about the second victim remain undisclosed. Authorities are continuing to identify the victims and assess the extent of the damage caused by the explosion.

Suspilne reported that at least seven of the wounded are in critical condition, while others have sustained moderate injuries. All injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment, as confirmed by the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration. Emergency response teams are actively working at the site, rescuing survivors from the burning wreckage. Ukrainian officials have warned that additional victims may still be trapped under the debris.

Kryvyi Rih, the birthplace of President Volodymyr Zelensky, has been a recurring target of Russian missile strikes. The city, home to approximately 660,000 residents, is the second-largest urban center in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. It lies around 70 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of the nearest active frontline, making it a vulnerable target in the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine's State Emergency Service, updating the situation via Telegram, reported that 14 people had been successfully rescued from the collapsed hotel. They shared images of emergency crews navigating through massive piles of rubble outside the floodlit structure. The visuals depicted first responders using ladders to climb through shattered sections of the building, which suffered severe structural damage.

Thick smoke was seen rising from the hotel, while nearly all its windows were shattered due to the explosion. A crane was deployed to assist rescue operations on the upper floors. The search-and-rescue mission remains ongoing as authorities fear more casualties may be discovered beneath the wreckage.

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Kryvyi Rih has been repeatedly targeted. The latest missile attack underscores the relentless assaults on Ukrainian cities and the continued threat to civilian lives. Ukrainian officials have condemned the strike, emphasizing the urgent need for reinforced air defenses to protect the region from further attacks.

As emergency crews continue their operations, local authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols. The attack on Kryvyi Rih highlights the devastating toll of the war, as Ukraine grapples with the ongoing aggression from Russian forces.