PHOTO UPDATE // Explosion in Crocmaz after combat drone crash

UPDATE 17:37 Prime Minister Vasile Tofan warned that the incident shows that the Republic of Moldova is not shielded from the effects of the war in the region. The prime minister thanked the emergency services for the speed of their response, noting that there are no casualties following the incident.

“A drone hit a tree. It’s good that it hit a tree and not a house. At the same time, there was damage just 8 centimeters from a home. The fact that we are outside the war zone, unfortunately, does not protect us. A fire broke out, there are no victims. The fire was extinguished very quickly. I thank our police officers and emergency services who reacted swiftly and contained the fire,” the prime minister said, as quoted by Moldova1.md.

Asked whether the ambassador would be summoned, Tofan said that the authorities would take the necessary measures, without providing further details. The prime minister also commented on the massive attack on Odesa on the same day, calling it an act of barbarism.

“This was the strongest attack on Odesa. Odesa has always been the victim of savage attacks, but now the assault is even more intense. They strike without any restraint at civilian targets, at homes. It is pure barbarism,” Vasile Tofan concluded.

UPDATE 16:49  Ștefan Vodă district council reports that on August 9, at around 13:20, via the 112 Service, a notification was received about the sighting of a flying object, similar to a drone, in the outskirts of the village of Crocmaz, Ștefan Vodă district.

“Preliminary checks indicate that, within a radius of approximately 1 km, fragments from the flying object may have caused damage to roofs and various elements of households in the village of Crocmaz,” the local authorities state.

UPDATE 13:41 The police determined that no one was injured as a result of the object’s fall and the ensuing fire. At the scene, fragments were found that are preliminarily assessed as belonging to a combat drone. Specialists from the Police’s Technical and Explosive Unit are heading to the site and will provide more details following a visual assessment and, subsequently, a specialized examination.

Initial report: A powerful explosion occurred this afternoon in the village of Crocmaz, Ștefan Vodă district, which caused a vegetation fire. The Ștefan Vodă police were notified about the incident a short time ago.

According to the police, all specialized forces are heading to the scene to determine the circumstances and cause of the explosion, as well as to intervene in extinguishing the fire.

So far, no information has been provided about possible injured persons or the extent of the damage.

The police are expected to return with details after the intervention teams arrive on site and clarify the circumstances of the incident.