Russia's Bridges Down Is Sabotage the Culprit?

Tragedy Strikes: At Least Seven Dead as Two Russian Bridges Collapse

In a series of alarming incidents, at least seven people have died following the collapse of two bridges in western Russia. The incidents, which involved passenger and freight trains, have prompted investigations and raised serious questions about the security of critical infrastructure.

The first incident occurred in the Bryansk region, bordering Ukraine, where a bridge collapsed beneath a passenger train on Saturday. The collapse resulted in multiple casualties, including the train's driver, according to Russian Railways.

Just hours later, a second bridge in the nearby Kursk region, also bordering Ukraine, collapsed as a freight train was passing over it. Acting Governor of the Kursk region, Alexander Khinshtein, reported that the train was derailed, and the wreckage fell onto the road below. While a fire erupted, fortunately, no injuries were reported in this second incident.

Here's a breakdown of the key events:

• Bryansk Region: Passenger train derailed after bridge collapse, resulting in at least seven deaths.
• Kursk Region: Freight train derailed after bridge collapse; no casualties reported.
• Cause: Initially, Russia's Investigative Committee cited "explosions" as the cause, but the reference was later removed from their statement without explanation.

Terrorism Investigation Underway

The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated an investigation into the bridge collapses, considering potential acts of terrorism. The ambiguity surrounding the cause of the incidents has fueled speculation and concern.

Aftermath and Response

Rescue workers are diligently clearing debris from both sites. Injured individuals have been transported to Moscow for specialized medical treatment. Images from Bryansk reveal the devastating impact of the bridge collapse, with train carriages torn apart amidst the wreckage.

Adding to the concerns, damage to railway tracks was also discovered elsewhere in the Bryansk region. Moscow Railway is investigating whether this damage is related to the bridge collapses.

Accusations and Counter-Accusations

While officials have previously blamed pro-Ukrainian saboteurs for attacks on Russia's railway infrastructure, these claims remain unverified. Ukraine's military intelligence (GUR) reported that a Russian military freight train carrying supplies to Crimea was destroyed, but did not claim responsibility for the bridge collapses.

The GUR statement emphasized that a crucial supply route between Moscow and the Russian-occupied regions of Zaporizhzhia and Crimea has been disrupted.

Geopolitical Context

These incidents occur against the backdrop of ongoing conflict, with Russian forces actively pushing into the Zaporizhzhia region. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and has maintained a strong military presence in the region ever since.

The bridge collapses represent a serious blow to Russia's infrastructure and raise critical questions about security vulnerabilities. As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind these tragic events and preventing future incidents. The loss of life is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and instability.

Tags: Russia, bridge collapse, train derailment, Bryansk, Kursk, explosions, casualties, Ukraine border, Russian railways, Alexander Khinshtein

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/01/nx-s1-5419457/two-bridges-russia-collapse-explosions-seven-dead