Russia bombs Zaporizhzhia prison — 17 dead, dozens injured overnight (updated)

Russian bombing of a Ukrainian prison killed 17 people overnight, leaving dozens more injured, as eight strikes hit Zaporizhzhia district. Local officials said the attack also damaged single-family homes close to the prison.

Russian bombing of prison leaves heavy casualties

Head of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Administration Ivan Fedorov reported that Russian bombs struck a detention facility in the early hours of 29 July. He initially stated that 16 people died and 35 were injured. Medical teams continue to assist all the wounded.

Fedorov explained that Russian forces hit the Zaporizhzhia district eight times, using FAB heavy aerial bombs. The attack destroyed buildings of the facility, and also damaged the nearby detached homes.

Update: 17 inmates killed

According to updated information, the Russian army carried out an airstrike on the Bilenke Penal Colony No. 99, destroying the facility’s cafeteria, quarantine unit and administrative building.

“As a result of the strike, 17 inmates were killed and 42 others were wounded. Those with severe injuries were taken to hospitals run by the Health Ministry. Around 40 more people sustained injuries of varying severity, and one staff member of the facility suffered minor wounds from shrapnel to the face,” Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice reported.