PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A Mercy Chefs relief team operating in Ukraine narrowly escaped tragedy Monday when a drone struck near their vehicle moments after an elderly man on a bicycle warned them of the incoming attack.

According to the Portsmouth-based nonprofit, the team had just completed a frontline food delivery when the man alerted them to the danger. His warning allowed both the volunteers and the man to flee seconds before impact.

“Our team firmly believes this man was an angel sent from God,” Mercy Chefs said in a statement Tuesday.

While no one was injured, the organization’s delivery truck was completely destroyed in the blast. The vehicle had been critical to delivering meals and supplies to families trapped near active combat zones.

Mercy Chefs — which has been providing food re

See Full Page