Two bomb disposal experts killed following detonation of Russian munition in Sumy Oblast

A Russian munition detonated during demining operations in the Shostka district of Sumy Oblast, killing bomb disposal experts Oleksandr Kovalchuk and Denys Sydorych.

Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES)

Details: Rescue workers reported that on 28 October, Oleksandr Kovalchuk, Major of the Civil Protection Service and head of a mechanised demining group, and Denys Sydorych, Master Sergeant of the Civil Protection Service and bomb disposal operator, were killed during humanitarian demining in Sumy Oblast.

Quote: "While a bomb disposal team was working in the Shostka district, a Russian munition detonated. One demining expert died at the scene, and the other was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but his life could not be saved."

Details: Oleksandr Kovalchuk was 32 years old. He had served in the SES for over 15 years. Denys Sydorych was 39.

Quote: "But today, the hardest thing is not talking about ranks and years of service. The hardest thing is to realise that they are no longer with us. Oleksandr had his wife, four-year-old son and parents waiting for him at home. Denys had his wife, eight-year-old son and parents."

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