At least seven people have been killed and around 30 others injured when a bridge collapsed causing derailment of a train in Russia’s Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border, authorities stated. The reason behind the incident has been linked to ‘’illegal interference’ with transport infrastructure.
The locomotive and several train cars went off the track after a span of a road bridge collapsed in the Vygonichskyi district, where the train was crossing through, as per the Russia Railways. The agency stated on Telegram, “due to the collapse of a span structure of the road bridge as a result of an illegal interference in the operation of transport.”
Reason of Russia bridge collapse
The region’s acting governor stated that the bridge of the Russia’s Bryansk region were brought down because of an explosion. While talking to Russia’s state broadcaster, Alexander Bogomax stated, “The bridge was blown up while the Klimovo-Moscow train was passing through with 388 passengers on board,” as reported by a Interfax news agency.
Emergency teams deployed, children among injured
The derailment took place when the train was heading to Moscow from Kilmovo. Governor Alexander Bogomaz mentioned that 30 people, including two children, were taken to hospital. One child continues to be in serious condition. It has been confirmed by the Russian media that the driver of the train was among the killed.
Russia’s Emergency Ministry stated that more than 180 personnel have been deployed for the search operation and to handle the situation. Meanwhile, the Baza Telegram channel which regularly shares leaks from security sources, indicated that the bridge may have blown up. However, no evidence was provided in support of this claim and Reuters report says that it could not independently verify the statement. No response was shared from the Ukrainian officials.
Moreover, the incident adds on a series of security-related disturbances in Russian border regions, which has witnessed several drone attacks, disruption mission and shelling since the Ukraine conflict started over three years ago. The Vygonichskyi district is approximately 100 km from the Ukrainian border, highlighting the vulnerability of transport infrastructure in these places.
(With inputs from Reuters)