A bridge collapse in Bryansk has claimed seven lives and injured dozens, while a second bridge incident occurred elsewhere in western Russia, where a freight train was involved. The accidents coincide with escalating military tensions in the region.
Tragic Bridge Collapses in Western Russia Amid Rising Tensions
Tragic Bridge Collapses in Western Russia Amid Rising Tensions
A catastrophic incident involving two bridge collapses has resulted in fatalities and injuries, raising concerns in a region heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict.
A bridge overpass in western Russia collapsed late Saturday, derailing a passenger train underneath and resulting in at least seven fatalities and numerous injuries, according to local officials and state media. A separate bridge incident occurred overnight, involving a freight train, but resulted in no fatalities. Both incidents took place approximately 77 miles apart in regions bordering Ukraine, specifically in Bryansk and Kursk.
State-run Russian news agency Tass reported comments from Aleksander Bogomaz, governor of Bryansk, who confirmed the seven deaths linked to the train derailment. He also mentioned that 47 individuals, including three children, required medical attention. The specific cause behind the bridge collapse remains unclear, with Bogomaz suggesting an explosion, a claim that could not be independently verified.
In response to the disaster, Russia’s road transportation agency made a statement on social media, clarifying that the collapsed overpass was situated along a rail corridor. Meanwhile, Russian Railways has dispatched recovery trains to manage the crisis.
The site of the Bryansk incident is located about 50 miles from the Ukrainian border, intensifying worries amidst a backdrop of the ongoing conflict.
In a related event, the governor of Kursk, Aleksandr Khinshtein, reported via social media that another overpass fell as a freight train was traveling overhead. Fortunately, only one train driver was injured during this incident and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
These bridge collapses occur against the ongoing military backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war, which has seen increased tensions and escalatory actions in the region. The Russian President, Vladimir V. Putin, had made a visit to Kursk last month following a successful military operation against Ukrainian forces.
Ivan Nechepurenko covers essential developments in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and surrounding regions, while Caroline Houck serves on the International desk.
