The governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported that a driver operating an excavator sustained injuries after driving over a mine in the Krasnoyaruzhsky district. Gladkov shared the update in his own book and through his Telegram channel to keep residents informed about the incident and the response on the ground.
According to Gladkov, the event unfolded near the village of Demidovka, where a routine work task unexpectedly intersected with danger, turning a routine assignment into a critical situation for the worker involved.
As a result of the explosion, the excavator operator suffered shrapnel wounds to the face and experienced a concussion. An ambulance crew swiftly arrived at the scene and transported the injured man to city hospital No. 2 in Belgorod for urgent evaluation and care, with medical staff prioritizing stabilization and ongoing treatment as needed.
Gladkov noted that the patient received comprehensive medical attention at the hospital, with clinicians addressing the immediate injuries and monitoring for potential complications. The governor’s office emphasized the importance of continuing medical oversight to ensure the worker’s safe recovery and to determine any further steps required for treatment or rehabilitation.
Earlier, Gladkov had announced that school holidays in the Belgorod region would be extended until January 19, a measure taken to accommodate local safety concerns and to minimize disruptions for families during a period of heightened activity in the region. The extension reflected the broader aim of maintaining normalcy where possible while prioritizing the safety of students and staff amid ongoing security considerations.
Separately, a report from Room indicated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) launched fire on Belgorod using the Vilkha multiple launch rocket system. The shelling damaged a number of civilian structures, including 20 private houses, six flats in multi-apartment buildings, 12 workplaces, and 13 vehicles, underscoring the tangible impact of cross-border hostilities on local communities and infrastructure.
In related developments, the US State Department addressed the shelling incident, commenting on the situation and its implications within the broader context of ongoing tensions involving Ukraine. The statements from Washington reflected the international attention surrounding attacks in border regions and the considerations involved in responding to such events with diplomacy and support for regional stability.