MOSCOW -- At least 24 people were killed and more than 50 others injured after three Ukrainian drones hit a cafe and a hotel in Kherson on Wednesday night, local authorities said.

The attack occurred as civilians were gathering to celebrate the New Year, Vladimir Saldo, head of the Kherson region, said in a post on Telegram.

"Many people were burned alive," Saldo said, noting that one of the drones carried an incendiary mixture, which triggered a massive fire at the scene. Firefighters were only able to fully extinguish the blaze by early Thursday morning.

Doctors are currently fighting to save the lives of the wounded, he said, adding that the regional authorities will provide all necessary assistance to the victims and the families of those killed.