A Russian missile attack has destroyed an aircraft repair plant in Ukraine’s western city of Lviv.
During the early morning on March 18, 2022, the 23rd day of the war in Ukraine, Russian missiles struck an area near Lviv airport, Ukrainian media reported.
Lviv’s Mayor, Andriy Sadovyi said the city was hit by multiple explosions following an air raid siren. Thick plumes of smoke were visible in the sky.
At least three blasts were heard near to the airport’s territory,but the airport itself was not attacked, a witness told local media. However, some buildings at a nearby plane repair plant were destroyed.
Three explosions heard across #Lviv this morning. We were woken up by an early air raid siren, but unlike other days it was followed by three distinct blasts. We can now see plumes of smoke on the city skyline. Pics by @abcnews camera operator Fletcher Yeung. pic.twitter.com/POziXMMjG9
— Emily Clark (@Em_Dawn) March 18, 2022
“Several missiles hit the aircraft repair plant. Its buildings were destroyed by the blows. The active work of the plant was stopped in advance. […] Rescuers and relevant utilities are working on the site,” Sadovyi said.
At the time of writing, no casualties have so far been reported.
Садовий: “Рашистські ракети вдарили по території в районі Львівського аеропорту» pic.twitter.com/bs79FGcwgv
— Українська правда (@ukrpravda_news) March 18, 2022
According to Ukrainian Air Force, six Kh-555 cruise missiles were fired from the direction of the Black Sea, two of them were shot down by Ukrainian anti-air defenses.
According to preliminary data, six cruise missiles were fired at #Lviv.
Two of them were destroyed by anti-aircraft missile forces of the air command “West”. pic.twitter.com/kUdyCwDJVR
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 18, 2022
Lviv is the largest city in western Ukraine, a UNESCO world heritage site, and a popular tourist destination. It has also served as a hub to allow the passage of humanitarian and military supplies into the country during the ongoing conflict.