Seven fatalities occur in Russia following the collapse of two bridges and a train derailment incidents - Seven fatalities reported following the collapse of two bridges and a train derailment in Russia, according to the governors.
Title: Deadly Train Derailments in Russia: Two Bridges Collapse in Kursk and Bryansk Regions
Hey there! On Sunday afternoon in Russia, two bridges in the Kursk and Bryansk regions collapsed, causing train derailments and, tragically, the loss of at least seven lives.
The Skinny
According to Governor Alexander Chinschtein, a freight locomotive passing over the bridge in Schelesnogorsk district caused the collapse, resulting in the derailment of a passenger train traveling between Klimow and Moscow. A significant part of the train fell onto the road below, sparking a fire and sending the locomotive drivers to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Governor Alexander Bogomas reported that the injured, which included three children, were treated in local hospitals as a result of the bridge collapse. The State Moscow Railway Company confirmed that the incident was a result of "illegal interference in transport operation." However, they did not dig deeper, leaving questions unanswered.
Social media posts revealed grim scenes of emergency workers grappling with wreckage, while some videos showed distressed people rushing to help. Pictures posted on Russian authorities' platforms depicted the shattered remains of the bridge and damaged vehicles at the scene. Reports suggest that rescue workers were present throughout the night, working tirelessly to clear the debris.
The Backstory
The incident site is approximately 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The prosecutor's office has launched its own investigation, commencing a preliminary inquiry into the unfortunate events. There is no clear evidence yet pointing to a specific culprit for the explode-induced bridge collapse. Still, many suspect sabotage by Ukrainian forces, considering Russia's ongoing allegations against Kyiv over railway line attacks and weapon transportation.
It's important to note that since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian authorities have repeatedly accused Ukraine of sabotaging railway lines. Kyiv continues to defend its actions by arguing that Moscow exploits railways to move troops and weapons to bolster their forces operating in Ukraine.
This horrific incident occurred two days before a possible meeting between Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Istanbul, and amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States to resolve the three-year conflict. Needless to say, concerns are mounting about a potential Russian response to this tragedy, given the charged geopolitical climate.
Quick Facts
- Region: Kursk and Bryansk regions, Russia
- Incident: Bridge collapse and train derailment
- Fatalities: At least seven people
- Culprit: Unconfirmed, but sabotage by Ukrainian forces is suspected by some Russian authorities
- Locomotive and passengers' condition: Injured and hospitalized
- Continuing Investigation: Russian transportation prosecutor's office is leading the probe, characterizing the incident as "unlawful interference in transport operations."
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia--Ukraine_conflict[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/two-bridges-russia-collapse-railway-train-derailed-june-2025-2025-06-02/[3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60946386
While the world grapples with the aftermath of the deadly train derailments in Russia, other pressing matters continue to unfold.The Commission, taking note of the ongoing geopolitical tensions, has decided to initiate a procedure for the adoption of a proposal for a Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens.*
