Police release new details on Crocmaz explosion: Debris points to possible ‘drone-missile’ type device

On-site investigations following the fall and explosion of an aircraft in the fields outside the village of Crocmaz, Ștefan Vodă district, have been completed. According to the Police, the explosion occurred at a height of approximately 2.5 meters, after the aircraft struck a tree in a forest strip.

"No casualties were recorded, and fragments of the aircraft were scattered over a wide area, causing damage to several households in the locality," the Police statement says.

The Police specify that the recovered fragments display characteristics similar to components of a guided missile.

"According to preliminary findings, the recovered fragments show characteristics similar to components of a guided missile, which indicates that the aircraft may be of the ‘drone-missile’ type. We note that, until now, no cases involving the identification of an aircraft of this type have been recorded on the territory of the Republic of Moldova," the Police communicate.

The investigation continues to determine the exact type and origin of the aircraft, as well as all the circumstances of the incident.

"The fact that we are outside the war zone does not protect us, unfortunately," said Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.

Asked whether the ambassador would be summoned, Tofan stated that the authorities would take the necessary measures, without providing further details. A powerful explosion occurred this afternoon in the locality of Crocmaz, Ștefan Vodă district, followed by a vegetation fire.

At the scene, fragments were found that are believed, based on preliminary information, to belong to a combat drone. The Police determined that no person was injured as a result of the object’s fall and the subsequent fire.

Odesa region was targeted during the night from Saturday to Sunday by a massive combined attack with drones and missiles launched by the Russian army.

In the morning, border authorities announced that traffic on the bridge near the Maiaki–Udobnoe locality had been temporarily suspended, in the context of an air-raid alert being triggered on Ukrainian territory.