At least seven dead after two Russian bridges collapse

Two bridges fell down overnight in different events in Russian areas adjacent to Ukraine, resulting in at least seven fatalities and injuring many others. A bridge collapsed in Bryansk, dropping several large trucks onto a moving passenger train late Saturday, according to the regional governor.

Emergency services reported that a minimum of seven individuals lost their lives. Governor Alexander Bogomaz stated that at least 47 individuals were hospitalized, including a minor. Moscow Railway claimed on Telegram that the bridge collapsed due to “unauthorized interference.”

Later, a second bridge fell in the Zheleznogorsk district, causing a locomotive train to derail, reported acting governor Alexander Khinshtein. It remains uncertain if the two collapses in adjacent areas are connected, and Ukraine has not yet responded.

Images from Bryansk on the internet displayed twisted carriages and passengers aiding one another to escape the debris in the darkness. Moscow’s interregional transport prosecutor’s office announced that an inquiry has been initiated.

Officials reported that the train’s engine and multiple carriages went off the tracks after the roadway bridge collapsed onto it. According to Russian news agency TASS, more emergency personnel, along with rescue gear and lighting towers for nighttime operations, have been dispatched to the location.

Officials reported that the train was traveling from Klimovo to Moscow and was in the Vygonichsky district at the time of the collapse.  Passengers were evacuated and guided to a meeting point at a nearby station, Moscow Railway said, adding: “They will be able to continue their journey on a specially formed reserve train” travelling from Bryansk to Moscow.

The first incident took place about 100km (62 miles) from the Ukraine border.