Two bridges collapsed in separate regions of Russia near the Ukrainian border, leading to train derailments and tragic loss of life. At least seven people have died, and dozens more have been injured, according to Russian officials.
The first incident occurred early on Sunday in the Kursk region. A freight train was crossing a bridge when it gave way, causing part of the train to fall onto a road below. Kursk’s acting governor, Alexander Khinshtein, reported that the locomotive caught fire but was quickly extinguished. One of the train’s drivers suffered leg injuries and was taken to the hospital.
Just hours earlier, another bridge collapsed in the Bryansk region on Saturday night. This bridge fell onto railway tracks, derailing an approaching train. Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz confirmed that seven people died, including the train’s driver, and 66 others were injured, with three children among the casualties. Some of the injured are in serious condition, and a total of 44 people have been hospitalized.
Moscow Railway indicated that the Bryansk bridge collapse was due to "illegal interference" in transport operations, hinting at possible sabotage. Reports suggest the bridge was blown up while the Klimovo-Moscow train, carrying 388 passengers, was passing through.
These incidents come amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with previous explosions causing train derailments in regions close to the border. A senior member of Russia’s Federation Council claimed that the Bryansk incident shows Ukraine has become a "terrorist enclave."
The situation remains tense, with ongoing military actions and cross-border conflicts. As the world watches, the focus now shifts to the safety of transport and the implications of these tragic events.