KRYVYI RIH, Ukraine — A Russian strike has destroyed the only Epicentr construction hypermarket in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, triggering a massive fire and marking the loss of a major commercial landmark that had served the community for nearly two decades.
According to information released following the attack, the strike leveled the hypermarket, leaving the building engulfed in flames as emergency crews responded to contain the blaze. Images and videos circulating online showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky while firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.
The Epicentr store had been operating in Kryvyi Rih since December 2007, serving residents for almost 19 years as the city’s only location of the home improvement and construction retail chain. Its destruction represents not only a significant economic loss but also the elimination of an important source of building materials and household supplies for residents.
The attack comes as Russia continues its campaign of missile and drone strikes against targets across Ukraine, with infrastructure, commercial facilities, and civilian areas frequently affected by the ongoing conflict.
The full extent of the damage to surrounding properties and whether there were any casualties has not yet been officially confirmed.
According to social media posts
According to posts circulating on social media, the Russian strike destroyed Kryvyi Rih’s only Epicentr construction hypermarket, which had been in operation since December 2007. The posts described the resulting fire as extensive, with flames consuming the building following the impact. Officials are expected to provide additional information as damage assessments continue.