Kathmandu— At least 37 people were killed after a Russian drone attack struck a munitions warehouse near Kyiv, Ukraine, officials reported Saturday. The strike on the town of Myla triggered a large-scale fire and explosions that spread to nearby residential buildings, prompting evacuations of nearly 400 people and leaving dozens injured. Ukrainian authorities have launched an investigation into potential criminal negligence related to the storage of explosives in close proximity to civilian areas.

Devastating Impact of the Strike

Kyiv region governor Tymur Tkachenko announced on Telegram that the death toll in the Bucha district had risen to 37, with rescue operations continuing at the scene. At least 50 residential buildings sustained damage from the blast and subsequent fire, which also impacted a local restaurant. Among those killed was Taras Didych, the mayor of Dmytrivska village, according to Tkachenko.

Investigation into Storage Practices

Ukrainian prosecutors have opened an investigation focusing on whether the company operating the warehouse adhered to regulations regarding the storage of explosive materials and possessed the necessary permits. The warehouse appeared to contain “explosive objects,” officials stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that ammunition should not be stored near residential areas, confirming criminal proceedings would follow.

Recurring Safety Concerns

Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi expressed frustration over repeated failures to adhere to safety standards, referencing a similar incident in July involving a munitions depot in Vyshneve. He stated that the ongoing disregard for proper storage protocols during the fifth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion constitutes “criminal negligence,” calling for severe punishment for those responsible.

Escalation of Long-Range Strikes

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched at least two missiles and 267 drones against Ukraine between late Friday and early Saturday. In addition to the warehouse strike, Russian attacks on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three Ukrainians, including a two-year-old child in Kyiv and a teenage girl in the capital’s suburbs. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes within Russia killed at least three people and wounded nine others in the Belgorod region, while another person was killed and three injured in Sevastopol, Crimea.

Both Ukraine and Russia have increasingly targeted each other with long-range strikes in recent months, leading to a surge in civilian casualties as attacks extend to critical infrastructure. Investigations are underway into the circumstances surrounding both the Ukrainian and Russian incidents.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.