On Thursday 20th April 2023, a Russian Sukhoi-34 fighter jet accidentally dropped a bomb on the Russian city of Belgorod, located approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the border with Ukraine.
The explosion caused significant damage to the area, leaving a 20-metre (60-foot) crater and blowing a car onto the roof of a nearby shop.
Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that several buildings were damaged and a nine-story block of flats had to be evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Three people were injured in the incident. Video footage posted on social media showed the impact of the blast, lifting a vehicle onto the roof of a nearby supermarket as traffic continued to flow along Prospekt Vatutina, which is close to the city centre.
In a statement issued by the Russian Defense Ministry, it was confirmed that one of its Su-34 fighter bombers had accidentally discharged aircraft ordnance at 22:15 local time (19:15 GMT) on the same day.
The statement did not specify which weapon was accidentally fired but acknowledged that the incident was the result of an error.
The bomb reportedly landed at an intersection of two roads near residential buildings. Two women were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Governor Gladkov expressed gratitude that no one was killed in the incident, stating on social media, “Thank God no one was killed.”
