Ukraine correspondent Christian Wehrschütz and his team survived a Russian missile attack on a hotel where they were staying Saturday night. In the “Krone” call, the reporter is slightly shocked – but is already back to work.
Deafening cracks, bursting beams and terrified screams! ORF correspondent Christian Wehrschütz was awakened from his sleep around 01:20 am on Saturday in the Ukrainian hotel Zum Kleinen Fischerdorf. But as idyllic as the name of the modest accommodation may sound, the early morning Russian rocket hail terrified hundreds of residents of three cities. Because just a few kilometers away is Zaporizhzhya: the largest nuclear power plant in Europe! Fortunately, this time only power lines were attacked.
“Nice to hear from you,” I greet my old colleague and friend on the phone seven hours later. “Just as nice to hear from you too,” was the reply of the professional correspondent. The serenity with which Christian usually comments on his contributions is barely noticeable this time. Tense and speaking much faster than usual, he describes the attack.
A shrapnel just missed the producer
“In itself, we knew that the region could be a target for Russian artillery. That is why we drove to the village to report attacks from there. It was clear it would be risky. But I had no idea it would be so damn close,” he recalls, taking a deep breath. Because this time he – “thank goodness” – and his two associates narrowly escaped death.
“Shrimpnels broke through the room half a meter away from my producer Igor,” says Wehrschütz thoughtfully. Nevertheless, the three “reporter musketeers” quickly regain control of the situation after the attack. They inspect the house with flashlights, are relieved that no one was injured and that their shrapnel-hit Audi is still drivable.
Wife and daughter reassured by phone in Salzburg
“I think today was my second birthday,” Igor (47) openly admits on the phone. A true devil reporter! Since the beginning of the war, he has been at the front together with gunner and cameraman Nenad.
Her cry of warning saved me during the joint Chernobyl report in May: As I nearly entered a mining area on Russian positions for a snapshot…
In Salzburg, wife Elisabeth Wehrschütz and daughter Michaela are relieved on Saturday morning. Christian contacted them and calmed them down: “Everything is fine. Will light some candles and get on with my work in peace!”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
