Complaints surfaced on social media about individuals being denied entry to the Kyiv Metro during a nighttime air raid. This was reported at the “Chernihivska,” “Darnytsia,” and “Livoberezhna” stations.
Some users claimed they were not allowed in due to overcrowding in the metro. Media outlets shared videos from the underground system highlighting these issues.
One user reported being prevented from entering the “Sirets” station for over two hours because he had a dog. Additionally, he noted that escalators were turned off, complicating mobility for patrons.
According to a statement from Kyiv Metro, all stations were operational and served as shelters once the air raid alert was declared. A significant number of residents headed to shelters around 10 PM when the metro was still running regular services.
Officials emphasized that some metro staff requested individuals to move from service areas to station platforms. A user on the Threads platform reported that staff were rude when prohibiting people from sitting in a corridor leading to restrooms.
“Service areas and passages are not intended for public occupancy, and access to them is restricted for safety reasons,” stated the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA).
The KCSA reminded residents that during air raid alerts, 46 underground stations of the Kyiv Metro operate as shelters. All entrances are opened to facilitate a quicker route to safety.
They also advised individuals planning to wait out the air raid in the metro to arrive at stations before they close and, if possible, choose central stations where there is more available space.
Context
- During a massive attack on Ukraine on the night of July 30, Russian forces targeted Kyiv with ballistic missiles, resulting in a series of powerful explosions. Fires broke out in the Sviatoshynskyi and Obolonskyi districts. Reports indicate one person was killed and two others injured.
