A tragic man-made disaster occurred in Balakliya: a car ran over a mine, resulting in the driver’s death
The incident was recorded on April 22 in the city of Balakliya, Izyumskyi district, Kharkiv region, which is currently under a high risk level due to the proliferation of mine- and explosive devices in de-occupied territories. According to official information from the regional police, this case once again highlights the ongoing danger on the liberated lands. As reported by the Kharkiv regional police in their Telegram channel, the event took place in Balakliya on a day when active search and recovery operations were underway. Police sources state that around noon, the driver was moving along a forest road that ran through the city's civilian and seemingly safe areas. At that moment, his vehicle unexpectedly struck an explosive device — preliminary investigations indicate that it was a anti-tank mine hidden in the ground. As a result of the tragic explosion, the man operating the vehicle died at the scene. All efforts to save the situation or provide assistance were unsuccessful. It is known that rescue and law enforcement personnel worked to clarify the circumstances and ensure the safety of surrounding areas, but the human victim could no longer be saved. Police emphasize that the mine danger remains extremely serious and highly problematic due to active hostilities and their aftermath. They stress that in the liberated regions, the situation with explosive devices continues to be dangerous, and the likelihood of encountering a mine is very high. An official police spokesperson once again urged residents and visitors of the region to exercise extreme caution. “Do not enter forests, cemeteries, or plantations,” the police warn. “Do not use unfamiliar paths or routes. Never approach or touch suspicious objects, as this can lead to tragic consequences. If you find any suspicious or explosive items, immediately contact emergency services by dialing 101 or 102. This can save not only your life but also the lives of those around you.” The death of the driver in Balakliya underscores once again the complexity and danger faced daily by residents and emergency personnel in a region that has suffered extensive destruction due to hostilities. Authorities and law enforcement call for caution and responsibility, as the mine threat remains one of the most urgent and unresolved issues in Kharkiv region following the withdrawal from temporary occupation.