Former Yeovil Region Reporter Narrowly Escapes Russian Rocket Strike in Sumy, Ukraine
Date: August 12, 2024
William Reynolds, a former reporter who once covered the South West region of England, including Yeovil, is now facing the perils of war reporting in Ukraine. Yesterday, Reynolds had a close call when a Russian rocket struck the city of Sumy, where he is currently deployed.
Reynolds, who built a reputation for his thorough and dedicated coverage of local news in the Yeovil area, has been in Ukraine for several months, reporting on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The rocket strike occurred in the afternoon, targeting a residential area in the military district of Sumy. The missile managed to bypass Ukraine's air defence systems, hitting homes and causing widespread damage.
"I’ve seen some intense situations before, but nothing quite like this," Reynolds said, reflecting on the near miss. "I was only a short distance away when the rocket hit. The explosion was deafening, and the impact shook the entire area."
The attack, which left several people injured, is part of a broader pattern of escalated hostilities in northeastern Ukraine. Sumy, due to its strategic location near the Russian border, has been a frequent target in recent months.
Reynolds, who has transitioned from covering local news in the Yeovil region to reporting from one of the most dangerous conflict zones in the world, has been documenting the war’s impact on civilians and the Ukrainian military. His experience in Sumy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists on the front lines.
"Reporting from Ukraine is vastly different from anything I covered in Yeovil," Reynolds smiled. "The stakes are incredibly high, and the risks are real, but it’s important work. The world needs to see what’s happening here."
Reynolds’ colleagues and friends have expressed their relief that he emerged unscathed from the attack.
We had a rocket strike get through was loud alor of when up people. pic.twitter.com/57plpzpgH3
— Steve Day (@Daya66) August 12, 2024
Many remember him as a diligent and passionate reporter who always sought to tell the full story, whether it was covering local council meetings or the latest community events in Yeovil and it's surrounding areas as well as Wales.
Chairman of the Global Media Group, Steve Day, also in Ukraine, said: ' I was personally at a birthday party at the lakes just outside the city, we heard the explosion even though several miles away, William was in the city, he soon called to report he was safe, which was a relief.
COYI 😀#WHUFC pic.twitter.com/r8RrfzJ1HO
— Steve Day (@Daya66) August 11, 2024
Celebrating A Birthday Just Before Explosion
' It's hairy stuff at times although the air defence system works the majority of the time, at present the skies are filled with ballistic missiles going back and forth.'
Ballistic Missiles Heading To Russia
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, reporters like Reynolds play a crucial role in bringing the realities of war to the global audience. Despite the dangers, he remains committed to his work. "I’m grateful to be safe, but the work goes on. The people of Ukraine are living through this every day, and their stories need to be told."
William Reynolds’ journey from the quiet streets of Yeovil to the war-torn landscapes of Ukraine is a testament to his dedication to journalism. His close call in Sumy underscores the ever-present risks faced by those who report from the front lines, but also the importance of their work in keeping the world informed.