A detonation of ammunition occurred at a military range in Khmelnytsky on July 31 at approximately 11:55. Four military personnel were injured and were taken to a medical facility — the severity of their injuries is being established. Contact has been lost with several military personnel who were on the territory of the range at the time of the incident, according to the Office of the Prosecutor General.
Currently, contact has also been lost with several military personnel who were at the scene of the incident. Information regarding their whereabouts is being clarified.
Investigators will only be able to conduct a site inspection and investigative actions after the detonation has completely ceased and safe access to the territory has been obtained — this is standard procedure for ranges where there remains a risk of repeated ammunition explosions.
What is already known about the investigation
A criminal proceeding has been opened under the procedural supervision of the Khmelnytsky Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the Field of Defense of the Western Region. The preliminary qualification is Part 2 of Article 414 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — violation of the rules for handling weapons, ammunition, or other dangerous objects that caused bodily injury to several persons.
Investigators have already begun questioning the command of the military unit and personnel involved in organizing the training at the range. The circumstances that led to the detonation are being established — versions have not yet been officially announced.
Special Operations Forces issued a separate statement following the explosions, warning local residents to remain in shelters. According to preliminary information, there is damage in the vicinity of the range territory.
The key question in the investigation is whether this involves a technical malfunction of ammunition, violation of handling regulations, or human error during training. The answer will determine not only the qualification of the case but also whether systemic changes are needed in safety procedures at other ranges in the country.
