The night of June 2 marked a record for the Kyiv Metro. During the air raid alert, subway stations turned into mass shelters, accommodating more than 41,000 people. Among those seeking protection were nearly 4,500 children. According to the utility company, this is the highest occupancy rate of stations during a nighttime alert in recent years.
The capital operates 46 underground stations that serve as shelters for citizens. During such moments, all vestibules remain open for entry. However, the metro management emphasizes that stations are not permanent overnight accommodations in peacetime and are opened exclusively during moments of real danger.
Tents and passageways: new safety rules
Due to the massive influx of people, the metro administration appealed to passengers to strictly observe behavioral rules. The main goal is to avoid creating obstacles for potential evacuation. The company's message clearly outlines recommendations:
- Do not bring bulky items that may hinder the movement of other passengers.
- It is necessary to keep passageways and evacuation routes clear.
- In particular, setting up tents can significantly hinder the use of evacuation routes in the event of an emergency.
For convenience and safety, the metro recommends choosing central stations, where, as a rule, there is a lower concentration of people.
Attack context
The record occupancy of the subway occurred against the backdrop of another Russian Federation strike on Kyiv and several other cities on the night of June 2. Almost all districts of the capital were hit, resulting in damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. It is already known that four people have died and more than 50 have been injured.