Russian missile strike on Odesa region kills teenager, injures several including children

On Saturday, July 18, the Russian armed forces launched a missile strike on a residential area and civilian infrastructure in Odesa region. Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, reported at least one fatality and several injuries. The Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office later specified that the deceased was a 16-year-old boy.

Seven injured people were hospitalized: a 2-year-old child, four women aged 22 to 28, and two men aged 27 and 40. The strike damaged two private houses, buildings within a sports and entertainment complex, and eight cars. Earlier, local officials said the attack hit an amusement park area, destroying fishing cabins as well.

Videos posted on social media show people immediately trying to free possible victims trapped under the rubble. Ukraine's prosecutor's office has launched a pre-trial investigation into war crimes resulting in deaths. Authorities said the extent of damage and number of victims are still being clarified.

According to preliminary information, two people died, and four were injured, including one child. People may still be under the rubble, so search and rescue operations continue. In another settlement, shelling damaged a residential house and two cars, injuring one person.

All necessary services are working at the scene, and information about the consequences of the attack is being updated.