Deadly Strike Claims Lives of Energy Workers and Rescuers
The death toll from the May 4-5 missile attack on Poltava region has risen to four Naftogaz employees, following the passing of 59-year-old Serhiy Klymenko in hospital. Klymenko, who worked as a refrigeration unit operator for the Naftogaz Group, had been in critical condition for over ten days after sustaining severe wounds. Two State Emergency Service (DSNS) rescuers also lost their lives in the same attack.
Three other Naftogaz workers—Oleksandr Kozin, Yuriy Musienko, and Mykhailo Dub—were killed at the scene or in the immediate aftermath. Seven additional employees from the company remain hospitalized for treatment. This tragedy underscores the ongoing risks faced by personnel working in Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure amid the war.
Ballistic Missiles Target Gas Production Facility
Russian forces struck a gas extraction site in the Poltava region overnight on May 5, using a double-tap missile tactic. The attack also damaged a store and a café in the Lubny district. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, 324 Naftogaz Group workers have been killed. The incident is part of a broader pattern of strikes on strategic infrastructure, highlighting the severe human toll on both civilians and emergency responders.
The deceased Naftogaz employees are Oleksandr Kozin, Yuriy Musienko, Mykhailo Dub, and Serhiy Klymenko. Two DSNS rescuers also died.
This tragedy reflects the harsh realities of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where attacks on critical facilities continue to claim lives and disrupt communities. The loss of energy sector workers and rescue personnel emphasizes the high price paid by those maintaining essential services during wartime.
The recent missile attack in the Poltava region not only claimed the lives of Naftogaz employees but also severely impacted emergency responders. This tragic event highlights the ongoing dangers faced by those in critical roles during the conflict. For a detailed account of how this strike unfolded and its implications for emergency services, you can read more in our coverage of the double-tap strike that resulted in multiple fatalities.