Explosions Collapse Two Bridges in Russia, Seven Dead/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Explosions collapsed two bridges in western Russia, derailing trains and killing seven people, authorities said. One collapse struck a passenger train in Bryansk; another freight train derailed in Kursk. Russia’s Investigative Committee is probing the incidents as possible terrorism.
Russia Bridge Explosions Quick Looks
- Two bridge collapses in western Russia derail trains, cause 7 deaths
- Bryansk region: Passenger train crushed by collapsed bridge
- Kursk region: Freight train derailed, no fatalities
- Russia’s Investigative Committee suspects terrorism
- Committee later edited “explosions” out of statement without explanation
- Train engineer among the deceased in Bryansk
- Over a dozen injured; some airlifted to Moscow for treatment
- Debris cleanup and investigation ongoing
- Ukraine’s GUR claims separate attack on train bound for Crimea
- Regional officials declare three days of mourning
Deep Look: Explosions Collapse Russian Bridges, Derail Trains, Kill 7
MOSCOW (AP) — Two railway bridges in western Russia collapsed overnight Saturday into Sunday, derailing trains and causing multiple casualties in what Russian officials initially attributed to explosions. The Russia Investigative Committee has opened a probe into potential acts of terrorism, though details remain murky.
In the first and deadliest incident, a bridge collapsed onto a passenger train in the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine. Seven people were killed, including the train’s engineer, and dozens were injured. The force of the collapse ripped train cars apart and buried them under tons of concrete.
State-run Russian Railways confirmed the casualties and damage. Emergency crews scrambled to rescue survivors and began clearing the extensive debris. Several of the injured were flown to Moscow for emergency medical care.
Second Collapse Hits Freight Train in Kursk
Just hours later, in the nearby Kursk region, a second bridge collapsed under a freight train, sending cargo cars tumbling off the tracks and onto the road below. A fire broke out, though no fatalities were reported in this incident. Local acting Governor Alexander Khinshtein said the bridge failure was again caused by a blast.
Visuals shared on social media show the dramatic aftermath—train cars twisted in unnatural angles, and charred sections of bridge infrastructure littering the area.
Russian Authorities Edit Official Statements
Initially, the Investigative Committee stated publicly that explosions caused the collapses, indicating a high probability of sabotage. However, the committee later edited the statement on social media to remove the word “explosions,” offering no explanation for the revision.
Despite the edit, officials continue to treat both incidents as possible acts of terrorism, though no group has claimed responsibility.
Mourning Declared in Bryansk
Bryansk regional Governor Alexander Bogomaz declared three days of mourning starting Monday in honor of those killed in the collapse. Local media outlets shared images showing severely damaged train cars, toppled bridge sections, and emergency personnel combing through wreckage.
The crash site has become the center of a growing investigation, as authorities examine the cause and possible culprits behind the attack.
Ukraine Denies Involvement, But Military Sabotage Claimed Elsewhere
While Ukrainian officials have not claimed responsibility, previous incidents targeting Russia’s rail infrastructure have been linked to pro-Ukrainian sabotage. These reports, however, are difficult to verify due to restricted access and state-controlled media.
Separately on Sunday, Ukraine’s military intelligence (GUR) claimed that a Russian military freight train carrying fuel and food had been blown up en route to Crimea. Though the GUR did not link itself to the bridge collapses, the timing raises speculation about coordinated disruptions to Russian logistics.
The GUR’s statement added that the rail link to the Zaporizhzhia region and Crimea, a strategic military corridor, had been destroyed. This corridor is vital to Russia’s ongoing offensive in southeastern Ukraine, where control over supply lines remains a critical factor.
Strategic Significance of Attacks
Russia has relied heavily on its extensive rail network for transporting troops, fuel, and military equipment. Disrupting this infrastructure in border regions like Bryansk and Kursk could delay deployments and impact operations in Ukraine’s occupied territories.
The Kursk and Bryansk regions, given their proximity to Ukraine, are particularly vulnerable. Recent months have seen a rise in rail sabotage, drone strikes, and unexplained fires at logistics hubs and ammunition depots.
Broader Context: War’s Frontlines and Fallout
The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has intensified in recent months. Moscow’s forces are continuing to push into the Zaporizhzhia region, which borders occupied Crimea—a territory Russia annexed illegally in 2014.
Rail routes to and from Crimea are essential to Russia’s military logistics and symbolic control. Any disruption not only affects battlefield readiness but also public perception of Russia’s ability to maintain territorial authority.
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