In a devastating turn of events, two bridge collapses occurred within hours of each other in western Russia near the Ukrainian border, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 40 others, according to regional authorities.
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| Tragedy in Russia Two Bridge Collapses Near Ukraine Border Photograph:Moscow Interregional Transport Prosecutor's Office |
Fatal Bridge Collapse in Bryansk Hits Passenger Train
The first and more severe incident took place late Saturday in the Bryansk region. A road bridge suddenly gave way, sending several heavy cargo trucks crashing down onto a moving passenger train beneath. The train, en route from Klimovo to Moscow, was traveling through the Vygonichsky district when the collapse occurred.
Local officials confirmed that at least seven people were killed, while 47 others were hospitalized, including one child. Graphic footage and images shared online showed twisted train carriages and injured passengers climbing out of the wreckage in darkness.
Alexander Bogomaz, Governor of the Bryansk region, confirmed the casualties and said emergency crews were working around the clock. "Rescue operations are ongoing, and medical teams are assisting the injured," Bogomaz said in a statement.
Moscow Railway reported via Telegram that the bridge may have fallen due to “illegal interference,” although details remain unclear. An official investigation has been launched by the Interregional Transport Prosecutor’s Office to determine the exact cause.
Second Bridge Collapse in Zheleznogorsk Derails Freight Train
Just hours later, a second bridge collapsed in Russia’s Kursk region, specifically in the Zheleznogorsk district, causing a freight locomotive to derail and catch fire. The acting governor, Alexander Khinshtein, confirmed the incident and stated that one train driver sustained serious leg injuries.
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| Image: The Guardian |
“The cause of this collapse is under investigation. All emergency services are on site and handling the situation,” Khinshtein said on his official Telegram channel.
Connection Between the Two Incidents Remains Unclear
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the two bridge failures are connected. Both incidents occurred in neighboring Russian regions close to the Ukrainian border, sparking speculation, although Ukraine has not issued any official statement regarding either event.
Additional rescue resources, lighting equipment, and emergency personnel have been deployed to the affected areas to aid in recovery and investigation efforts. According to Russian state news agency TASS, a backup passenger train was arranged to ensure affected travelers could continue their journey to Moscow.
Public and Government Response
Russian transportation officials have been quick to respond, launching criminal investigations into potential sabotage or structural negligence. The federal government has promised a full review of transportation infrastructure in the region.
Summary
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Two bridges collapsed in Bryansk and Zheleznogorsk regions.
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At least seven people were killed and 47 injured in the Bryansk incident.
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A passenger train was derailed by the falling bridge; a freight train caught fire in the second event.
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Authorities are investigating the causes, with potential signs of foul play.
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Ukraine has not commented on the incidents as of yet.
These tragic accidents have brought renewed attention to infrastructure vulnerabilities in Russia’s border regions and raised questions about the security of critical transport routes amid ongoing geopolitical
