Firefighters still battling blaze at American factory in western Ukraine after Russian strike

The State Emergency Service of Zakarpattia region reported the information.

“As of 7:40 a.m., firefighters are still battling a blaze in Mukachevo that broke out as a result of Russian shelling on August 21. Fifty-four firefighters and 15 pieces of equipment are involved in the operation,” the statement said.

Two additional fire trains are in operation.

Missile strike on the enterprise in Mukachevo

Mukachevo City Council reported.

“As a result of a Russian attack at night, one of the city's enterprises was hit. Rescue services are working at the scene. We ask you to remain calm and refrain from sharing photos and videos from the scene for the safety of us all,” the statement said.

It is known that 10 people were taken to St. Martin's Hospital by ambulance, and two more sought medical attention on their own.

"Five patients are undergoing inpatient treatment, one of whom has been transferred to the regional hospital. All victims received timely medical assistance and are provided with everything they need. The patients' condition is stable," the city council said.

Five patients are undergoing inpatient treatment, one of whom has been transferred to the regional hospital. The patients' condition is stable.

Due to a fire caused by a rocket strike, rescue workers are working at the site. Residents are asked to keep their windows closed and not to go outside unless absolutely necessary.

"Today, Mukachevo was subjected to a targeted Russian attack with cruise missiles. The target was a civilian enterprise that provided jobs for thousands of residents of our community and district. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the strike caused a large-scale fire and there are victims who are receiving all the necessary assistance," wrote Mukachevo Mayor Andriy Baloha.

According to Zakarpattia journalist Vitaliy Glagola, Russians attacked the Flex factory in Mukachevo. Several hundred night shift workers were at the factory at the time.

“According to my information, before the missile strike, the plant's employees were evacuated from the workshops and warehouses to a specially equipped place on the plant's territory,” Glagola said. "The Flex plant in Mukachevo has been operating for over 13 years. Its production facilities cover an area of 55,000 square meters, and the company employs more than 2,600 people.

Preliminary reports indicate that two missiles struck the factory grounds.

As of 9:40 a.m., the number of casualties has risen to 15.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's reaction

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reacted to the strike on the Mukachevo plant.

According to him, one of the missiles hit a large American electronics manufacturer in our westernmost region, causing serious damage and casualties.

“A fully civilian facility that has nothing to do with defense or the military. This is not the first Russian attack on American businesses in Ukraine, after strikes on Boeing offices in Kyiv earlier this year and other attacks,” wrote Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

Attack on the Khust district

The head of the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration reported the crash of a drone in the Khust district.

“In addition to the attack in Mukachevo, we have a UAV crash (preliminarily identified as a ‘Shahed’) in the village of Lypovets, Khust district. According to preliminary data, there are no casualties. A farm building was damaged, windows in a residential building were broken, and a power line was damaged,” Biletskyi said in a statement.

All relevant services were dispatched to the scene.

• On August 21 night, Russia launched a combined attack on Ukraine: explosions in Lviv, Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk, and Rivne, with air defenses active in Kyiv.