Death toll rises to 31 following Russian missile strike on Ukraine's Ternopil

The death toll from the Russian missile strike on Ternopil has climbed to 31, including six children, as rescue teams continue their operations amid the rubble of the destroyed building.

Three additional victims—a woman and two children—were recovered during ongoing search efforts on November 21, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

“As of 12:00 on November 21, rescuers have recovered the bodies of three more people from under the rubble of the destroyed building: a woman and two children,” the Ukrainian police confirmed.

In total, 94 people have been reported injured, including 18 children. Rescue and search operations have now entered their third day since the strike on November 19, and authorities are still attempting to establish contact with 16 missing individuals, according to the State Emergency Service (SES) of Ukraine.

Rescuers are systematically combing the entire affected area, particularly the fifth and sixth floors, inspecting every meter by hand, with tools, and using machinery.

As of 7:00 a.m. on November 21, approximately 638 tons of debris had been cleared. A total of 181 rescuers and 52 units of equipment are engaged in the operation.

The human toll remains severe: 28 people had initially been confirmed dead, including three children, with 94 others injured, among them 18 children. Forty-six individuals have been rescued so far, including seven children, while authorities continue efforts to locate the remaining 16 missing.

By Vafa Guliyeva