A large-scale tragedy in Sumy region: a Russian drone destroyed an evacuation bus, casualties reported
On May 17, an extraordinary and tragic event took place in Sumy oblast, deeply shocking all of Ukraine. Russian forces once again deployed a "Lancet" type unmanned aerial vehicle in the vicinity of the city of Bilopillya, resulting in a horrific attack on civilian transport. As a consequence of the strike, nine people were killed, and four others were injured. Local authorities announced a three-day mourning period in the city. According to Yurii Zarko, head of Bilopillya community, who gave an interview to "Suspilne," the bus involved in the incident was indeed an evacuation vehicle. This means that citizens traveling from the danger zone were trying to escape from peril. At the same time, the attack was carried out during this evacuation. "This bus was carrying people evacuating. Just before reaching the city, it was struck by a 'Lance't' drone, which was guided by reconnaissance UAV," Yurii Zarko reported. He stated that the event occurred as passengers were attempting to leave the danger zone but were suddenly attacked by a drone. As a result of the destruction of the bus, nine people died on the spot, most of whom were elderly women. Additionally, medics reported that four more injured individuals were hospitalized in Sumy, where they are receiving necessary care. Currently, investigators and experts are working on identifying the bodies of the deceased, although it is already known that among the victims are two or three men. The mayor of Bilopillya emphasized that most of the passengers—both young and elderly—were women of advanced age, who were likely fleeing the combat zone seeking safety. He noted that the situation is very tense, and the authorities are now focused on evacuating the wounded and organizing aid for those remaining. Recall that earlier, at 7:30 AM, Russian occupiers once again attacked civilian transport in the frontline zone. According to Ukrainian military and local authorities, Russian forces used a "Lance't" drone for the strike—a type of aircraft capable of being launched for reconnaissance purposes and targeting specific objects with precision from the air. Besides the destruction, the attack resulted in human casualties, mostly civilians, further confirming the cynical approach of the Russians to warfare against civilians. Overall, the situation in the region remains tense. In Bilopillya, a mourning period has been declared from May 17 to 19. The local government called this time the "red Saturday" in the community’s history—it will forever be remembered by residents as a day of great loss and grief. Memorial events and commemorations have already begun, and city services are working around the clock to stabilize the situation and provide support to the victims. State authorities urge citizens to exercise caution, avoid traveling to dangerous areas, and follow safety recommendations. This serves as another haunting reminder of how destructive this war is and the heavy price paid. The government and society emphasize the need for unity and mutual support in these difficult times, when the sun is still behind the clouds and human life and fundamental values are above all else.