The morning of June 2 in the Slobozhanskyi district of Kharkiv proved fatal for a resident who decided to approach the wreckage of a downed drone. The desire to capture the aftermath of the air defense system's work resulted in the detonation of the warhead and severe injuries. The incident occurred in an open area where a 'Shahed' type drone, shot down by air defense forces, had fallen.
Instant Tragedy
According to information received by RBC-Ukraine from the publication 'Public Kharkiv', the drone fell on a wasteland and initially caused no damage. However, the situation changed shortly thereafter. A man who had witnessed the downing of the aerial target approached the crash site. His goal was not just to inspect the wreckage but to take photographs.
At the moment the man approached the debris, the warhead detonated. The explosion occurred directly next to the person, who was in immediate proximity to the dangerous object.
Witness Testimony
Kharkiv resident Serhiy, who witnessed the tragedy, described the sequence of events. According to him, the drone fell in the area of a race track. When the drone crashed to the ground, the witness immediately tried to prevent disaster by shouting to the man: 'Move away from there'.
"He says that it exploded in the air. Well, kind of, there was an explosion from above. But when he came out onto the mound and started taking photos, the explosion happened right here," the witness recounted. Despite the warnings, the man stepped onto the elevation and began taking pictures, unaware of the mortal danger emanating from the wreckage.
Severe Condition of the Victim
The consequences of the explosion were catastrophic. The victim was immediately hospitalized. Medical professionals assess his condition as extremely critical. According to the witness, the man was taken away with a torn collarbone and a damaged thigh. Doctors are fighting for the patient's life, but the prognosis remains serious.
Warning from Authorities
Bogdan Hladkyi, Director of the City Department of Emergency Situations, confirmed the details of the incident and urged Kharkiv residents to exercise extreme caution. He emphasized that the wreckage of downed drones and munitions can pose a threat even after impact.
"Specialists will arrive, bomb disposal experts will work and clear the area," Hladkyi noted. In the event of discovering dangerous items or wreckage, citizens are strongly advised not to approach them but to call 101, 112, or 102 immediately. Curiosity in such situations can cost a life.