BELGOROD. June 1 (Interfax) - Massive strikes with Grad systems were delivered on the town of Shebekino last night, injuring five civilians, Governor of Russia's Belgorod region Vyacheslav Gladkov said.
"Shebekino has been under fire non-stop: the Ukrainian Armed Forces fired Grad systems at the center and the outskirts of the town at midnight, at 3:40 a.m. and at 5:15 a.m. According to the preliminary data available, five civilians were injured. A man, a police officer, sustained an open fracture of the shoulder bone. Two women suffered fragmentation wounds to the upper and lower body. Another man, a bridge security guard, was also injured," Gladkov said on his Telegram channel.
Three people have been taken to the hospital, where doctors are providing them with all necessary medical aid, the governor said.
"One woman received medical aid on the spot. She will continue to receive outpatient treatment. Information has just arrived about a man who is unconscious with multiple fragmentation wounds. An ambulance crew is transporting him to the hospital," Gladkov said.
Damage has been caused to a large number of urban infrastructure facilities and houses, he said.
"As regards the destruction, a private house caught fire following a direct hit. There are also incoming phone calls about extensive damage caused to windows and balconies in private houses and apartment buildings. Shells even made holes in the walls of some houses. The roof of an administrative building was hit. It is now ablaze. Firefighting crews are working at the scene. Shell fragments also damaged the facade and smashed windows of another administrative building," the governor said.
Gladkov, meanwhile, denied reports claiming a mass evacuation from the Shebekino district.
"Fake information is now being circulated online about gathering points for the urgent evacuation of residents of the Shebekino district. It is currently impossible and unsafe to gather people at any specific site," he said.
People willing to leave Shebekino will be able stay at temporary accommodation centers, the governor said.
"We stand ready to help those who are leaving the town and to house them at temporary accommodation centers, for instance at the Belgorod Arena. Those who cannot get there on their own should contact the district administration," Gladkov said, addressing Shebekino residents.
Over the past few days, the town of Shebekino and the Shebekino district have come under massive strikes delivered by the Ukrainian army. According to reports, two civilians have been killed and several others injured.