Ukrzaliznytsia Reports Tragedy During Chop-Lviv-Barvinkove Train Journey, Resulting in Six Passenger Deaths from Direct Shahed Strike

Serhiy Leshchenko, the Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Ukrzaliznytsia, recently showcased the carriage of the Chop-Lviv-Barvinkove train where six passengers lost their lives due to a direct strike from a Shahed drone. This tragic event unfolded while the train was in motion, causing considerable resonance within society.

A video posted on social media on Thursday, April 2, features Leshchenko demonstrating the burned carriage. According to him, after the attack, the train continued its journey, but the situation remained perilous. The charred carriage can be seen from the window at Kyiv Passenger Station, underscoring the seriousness of the incident.

Leshchenko pointed out that if a Shahed drone approaches within a 50 km radius, an evacuation is announced on the trains. 'This is very inconvenient, but the risk of continuing to travel towards a Shahed with the potential danger of burning in the carriage is even worse. Therefore, in a situation where there are no ideal solutions, Ukrzaliznytsia has made this decision and asks for understanding,' he emphasized, highlighting the importance of passenger safety.

Additionally, Leshchenko reported that Ukrzaliznytsia has gained access to military airspace control systems, allowing for constant monitoring of the situation regarding enemy strike drones. This decision aims to enhance safety during transportation, particularly in wartime conditions.

He also stressed the necessity of moving at least 100 meters away from the train during evacuation, which is crucial for reducing risks to passenger lives. This recommendation resulted from an analysis of the situation and the studied risks associated with such attacks.

It is worth recalling that on January 27, near the village of Yazykove in the Izyum district of Kharkiv region, Russian forces attacked a passenger train running from Barvinkove to Lviv and Chop with drones. Two strikes were recorded: one occurred near the train, and the other hit a carriage, leading to a fire. At that moment, there were 291 passengers on board, highlighting the scale of the tragedy.

According to the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office, six people died as a result of the Russian attack, and two others were injured. A criminal investigation has been opened regarding the war crime that caused the loss of life. This event has provoked outrage and concern among the population, as it once again underscores the dangers faced by Ukrainians in wartime.

In light of these events, Ukrzaliznytsia urges passengers to remain vigilant and adhere to all safety recommendations during their travels. In wartime conditions, it is crucial to maintain alertness and respond to potential threats, as the safety of citizens is a priority in the operation of railway transport.