In the city of Kramatorsk, Ukraine, rescuers diligently searched through the ruins caused by a Russian missile strike on a popular restaurant. The death toll continued to rise as authorities confirmed that 10 people had lost their lives and 61 others were injured. The Ria Lounge restaurant, known to many as Ria Pizza, was engulfed in flames after the missile hit during dinner time, resulting in a massive blaze that burned for over two hours. The restaurant’s terrace, once filled with overturned black-and-white sofas, now appeared as a chaotic mess in the morning. While the search and rescue efforts persisted, distressed friends and relatives of the missing anxiously waited nearby, desperately seeking news and updates.
Amidst the tragedy, a forlorn woman awaited news about her niece, while a concerned man sought information regarding his brother-in-law. People rushed to emergency workers, who briefly took breaks to cool off under water showers, inquiring about their missing loved ones. Showing photographs on their mobile phones, individuals pleaded for any updates.
As the recovery efforts continued, two more bodies were discovered beneath the rubble. Loved ones strained to catch a glimpse, hoping the bodies belonged to someone they knew. However, the tightly sealed body bags were promptly taken to the morgue in an emergency vehicle.
Ria Lounge, also referred to as Ria Pizza, had long been a beloved establishment in Kramatorsk. Its covered outdoor seating attracted numerous patrons, especially during the summer season. Although the restaurant had temporarily closed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February the previous year, it reopened a few months later. Situated near the Hotel Kramatorsk, which had suffered severe damage during a Russian attack in the prior summer, Ria Lounge remained a popular gathering spot for Ukrainian soldiers, local residents, foreign journalists, and aid workers.
Petro Golub, a 66-year-old witness, recounted hearing what he thought was the sound of an incoming plane before the explosion occurred. The force of the blast knocked him backward, causing minor injuries from glass shards. Despite this, Golub assured others that he was relatively unharmed.
Kramatorsk, located in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, was once home to 150,000 residents before the war. However, as Russia aimed to seize control of the entire region, many people were forced to flee. Although life in Kramatorsk appeared relatively normal on most days due to its distance from the front lines, air raid sirens and distant artillery sounds were common occurrences.
This city had experienced a devastating attack in the past when a Russian missile strike targeted a crowded train station in April, resulting in the death of over 50 people. Additionally, Kramatorsk played a significant role in Russia’s months-long campaign to capture the city of Bakhmut. It served as a transit point for Ukrainian troops involved in the intense battle. With the fall of Bakhmut in May, Kramatorsk faced a greater threat and an increased risk of shelling. Ukrainian officials had warned that the city’s capture could pave the way for Russian forces to advance towards Sloviansk and the rest of Donetsk.
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