Bridge Collapse in Russia's Bryansk Region Causes Multiple Fatalities
In a tragic incident late Saturday night, a bridge collapse in the Bryansk region of Russia, close to the Ukrainian border, resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals and left more than 70 injured. The calamity occurred when the collapsing bridge struck a passenger train traveling from Klimovo to Moscow.
Details of the Incident
- The collapse took place near the Pilshino and Vygonichi stations at approximately 10:44 p.m.
- Multiple train carriages were derailed and severely damaged under the weight of the fallen bridge sections.
- Emergency responders worked through the night to rescue passengers trapped amid the wreckage.
- Among the injured, two were children, and at least 44 victims remained hospitalized as of the latest reports.
Official Response and Investigations
Authorities have launched a criminal probe into the collapse, treating it as a potential act of terrorism. Initial statements by Moscow Railways suggested "illegal interference in the operation of transport" as the probable cause. However, no suspects have been publicly identified.
Regional Governor Alexander Bogomaz declared three days of mourning in response to the tragedy. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the situation overnight.
Subsequent Bridge Incident in Kursk Region
Just hours after the Bryansk tragedy, another bridge failure occurred in the neighboring Kursk region's Zheleznogorsk district. This incident involved a freight locomotive derailment, with the train falling onto a road and injuring the driver. Authorities have not officially linked the two events, but both areas border Ukraine and have experienced heightened infrastructure attacks amid ongoing regional conflicts.
Context and Additional Developments
- Following the incidents, Russian Investigative authorities initially cited explosions as the cause but later retracted this mention.
- Russian Railways confirmed that despite the damage, other rail traffic remained unaffected and that emergency teams were dispatched to repair the infrastructure promptly.
- No party has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and Ukraine has not issued any comments regarding these events.
- Separately, Ukrainian military intelligence claimed an attack on a Russian military train bound for Crimea, though this is unrelated to the bridge collapses.
Visuals and Aftermath
Images circulating from the site depict crushed train carriages beneath large concrete debris, with rescue workers actively clearing the scene. Passengers were evacuated and transported to nearby stations to continue their journey safely.
Summary
The collapse of two bridges in regions bordering Ukraine has resulted in multiple casualties and disruptions. The investigation into these potentially coordinated incidents is ongoing, highlighting the volatility and ongoing security concerns in the area.
