Nine people were killed on August 26 when a Ukrainian drone struck a passenger bus traveling between Lisichansk and Stakhanov in the Lugansk People’s Republic. The attack took place on the Zolotoye-Pervomaisk road while 15 people were inside the vehicle.

Eight passengers died at the scene, LPR head Leonid Pasechnik reported. A 20-year-old woman was taken to intensive care in critical condition, but doctors were unable to save her. Her mother was also wounded in the strike.

An 18-year-old woman was hospitalized. Three other passengers and the bus driver received medical treatment and were later released for outpatient care.

Investigators from the Russian Investigative Committee’s department for the LPR are working at the site and documenting the aftermath of the drone strike.

Pasechnik condemned the attack as an act of terrorism by the Kiev authorities, calling it a cynical and inhumane war crime and saying those responsible must be punished.

Following the attack, the Investigative Committee opened a criminal case under Article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code, which covers terrorism.