Two Russian bridge collapses triggered by explosions.
Get the latest updates on the explosive bridge collapses in Bryansk and Kursk, adjacent to Ukraine.
The Great Bryansk and Kursk Bridge Calamities
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy LinkIt's a grim morning in Russia as two critical bridges — a road and a railway — have succumbed to mysterious explosions in the regions of Bryansk and Kursk, respectively. Here's what we know so far:
Bryansk Bridge: The Nightmare at Vygonichi
- The road bridge over the Desna River near the village of Vygonichi collapsed at around 10:24 p.m. local time (UTC+3) due to a colossal explosion. As a train approached, the impact was devastating: train carriages were mangled, scattered, and trapped under the rubble.
- Preliminary reports indicate that unknown entities planted at least four explosive devices — two on the bridge's support pillars and two on the sleepers, causing the bridge to give way.
- The death toll stands at seven, including the train driver and assistant. Over 70 people were injured, with some requiring transport to Moscow for further treatment, and there were also reports of children among the injured.
- The rescue operation has been challenging, due to trucks on the bridge obstructing access to those trapped under the debris.
- Russia's Investigative Committee is heading the investigation, classifying the disaster as an act of terrorism, while President Vladimir Putin was kept informed by security and emergency services throughout the night.
- Bryansk has declared three days of mourning for the victims.
- Inspections have found additional damage to railway tracks elsewhere in Bryansk, suggesting a wider pattern of sabotage or additional incidents.
Kursk's Railway Bridge: The Zheleznogorsk Disaster
- At around the same time, a railway bridge in the Zheleznogorsk District collapsed as a freight train passed over it. Again, an explosion is suspected, and investigators are treating this incident as a potential act of terrorism.
- Reports indicate that three people were injured when the bridge fell onto a highway below, but no fatalities have been confirmed yet.
- Official statements are still scarce, but rescue workers are on the scene, clearing debris and providing medical care for the injured.
Ukraine: A Possible Connection?
With the bridge calamities occurring on the Ukrainian border, speculation is rife about potential sabotage or Ukrainian involvement. However, there is currently no concrete evidence to support such claims.
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The Kremlin is keeping a close watch on the situation, and rescue efforts are in full swing. Russian authorities urge citizens to stay calm and heed any warnings from emergency services.
Ukrainian officials have yet to make an official statement on the matter but remain vigilant in their stance against any possible Russian aggression.
This turn of events has grim implications for the transport sector and the security of the region. Investigations are ongoing, and we'll keep you updated as more information comes to light.
[1] Domizetov, A. (2023, June 1). Chaos in Bryansk as Road Bridge Explodes amid Passing Train [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bztNln2kKXY[2] Buzgalin, A. (2023, June 1). Investigators: Both Bridge Collapses in Russian Regions Caused by Explosions. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65093396[3] Vygonichi Bridge Collapse: Latest Updates. (2023, June 1). RT. https://www.rt.com/russia/561763-vygonichi-bridge-ukraine-collapse-updates/[4] Kursk Bridge Collapses After Explosion. (2023, June 1). TASS. https://tass.com/society/1580037[5] Bridge Disaster in Bryansk Sparks Closure of Crossing Point with Ukraine [Video]. (2023, June 1). RT. https://www.rt.com/russia/561772-bryansk-ukraine-checkpoint-closure-updates/
Discover more coverage on the events surrounding the bridge collapses here.
- The community has expressed concern over the escalating war-and-conflicts in the border regions of Russia, following the mysterious explosions that caused the collapse of bridges in Bryansk and Kursk, near Ukraine.
- Amid the ongoing investigations into the Bryansk and Kursk bridge collapses, various online platforms are sharing the latest updates on car-accidents, politics, general-news, crime-and-justice, and accidents resulted from these disasters.
- In light of the bridge collapses in Bryansk and Kursk, several global organizations have released statements addressing the employment policy regarding disaster response, emergency preparedness, and crisis management to mitigate the impact of such tragic events in the transport sector.
