Search operations to resume in Izium at site where 47 residents killed

Head of the Izium City Military Administration Valeriy Marchenko said this at a briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"This terrible tragedy occurred on March 9, 2022. The Russian occupiers bombed our city, there were up to 26 air raids per day. And several bombs hit this house. At that time, people were hiding in the basement. We know about 47 victims, whole families were killed. Rescuers and citizens were digging them out by hand. The impact was so powerful that almost nothing remained of the people, their bodies were extremely mutilated. But that's not all: work will continue here from July 31, because according to the prosecutor's office, there may be another 5-6 people who died under the rubble," Marchenko said.

Equipment will be involved in the work. The head of the city administration added that search operations will also be conducted at other locations.

"There is also a house at Khlibozavodska Street, 3, not far from here - we suspect that there are still victims there who have not been reached. In general, we are still finding victims of shelling in the city. Relatives of the missing are contacting us, with the help of law enforcement we are looking for information and people to ensure that the victims are buried with dignity," said Marchenko.

Even now, after 11 months since the de-occupation, it is impossible to calculate the exact number of victims of Russian aggression in Izium, Marchenko said. According to him, at least 1.000 residents were killed.

As reported, in March 2022, Izium was ruthlessly shelled by Russians from all types of weapons. The city center was destroyed, apartment buildings and the entire infrastructure were severely damaged.