Death toll rises to 54 after Russian missile attack in Poltava

Source: Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs

The number of victims who died in the Russian missile strike on an educational facility in Poltava on September 3 has tragically risen to 54, with 297 more people reported injured. Rescue teams continue their efforts as up to five individuals are still believed to be trapped under the rubble.

Emergency service has cleared 1,760 tonnes of debris from the site but search and rescue operations remain ongoing as officials race against time to locate survivors.

The attack targeted the facility in broad daylight, leaving little time for civilians to seek shelter, as the missiles struck just moments after the air raid alert. One of the institute’s buildings was partially destroyed, leaving many trapped beneath the wreckage.

The Ukrainian government has launched a pre-trial investigation into the attack, citing violations of the country’s territorial integrity. Investigation suggests that the city was hit by two “Iskander-M” ballistic missiles.