Russian Drone Strikes Residential Building in Galați, 70 Evacuated
A Russian drone struck a 10-story residential building in Galați's Mazepa district at approximately 2:00 AM Friday, detonating on impact and triggering a fire. Authorities evacuated 70 residents and hospitalized two people for minor injuries. Two F-16 fighters and a helicopter were deployed as the Ministry of National Defense tracked the drone from the border during renewed Russian strikes on Ukrainian targets.
A Russian drone crashed into a 10-story residential building in Galați's Mazepa district early Friday, triggering an explosion and fire on the top floor. The impact forced the evacuation of approximately 70 residents.
The crash occurred around 2:00 AM. Authorities activated the Red Intervention Plan at 02:07 and stood it down at 05:30, according to the Galați Emergency Situations Inspectorate. Lieutenant Colonel Cătălin Sion confirmed four casualties were treated at the scene, with two transported to the County Hospital for minor injuries and two others treated for panic attacks.
"The explosive payload of the drone detonated upon impact," Lieutenant Colonel Sion said. SRI specialists assisted in confirming the detonation.
The Ministry of National Defense reported the drone entered Romanian airspace during resumed Russian attacks on Ukrainian targets near Romania's border. The Ministry deployed two F-16 aircraft from the Fetești air base and an IAR 330 SOCAT helicopter. Pilots received authorization to engage targets throughout the alert period.
A RO-Alert was issued for Brăila, Tulcea, and Galați counties. The Ministry of Internal Affairs identified a temporary accommodation site for displaced residents, though no relocations have occurred yet.
A specialized explosion research team from the National Institute of Criminalistics and the Criminal Investigations Directorate is investigating the crash site. Construction specialists will assess the building's structural integrity in coming days.
Authorities cut electricity and gas supplies to the affected stairwell for safety. Traffic on Brăilei Street between Roșiori and Traian streets remains restricted. Police are directing motorists to alternative routes.
Galați, a major Danube port city in eastern Romania, lies close to the Ukrainian border. The city has experienced multiple drone incidents since Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, typically during intensified attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure across the river. Romania joined NATO in 2004.
Comentarii
Fii primul care comentează.
