Deadly Train Derailment in Russia After Bridge Collapse; 7 Killed
A passenger train derailed in Russia's Bryansk region, bordering Ukraine, after a railway bridge collapsed, resulting in at least seven deaths and 30 hospitalizations. Authorities have cited "illegal interference" as the cause of the incident. Russian Railways confirmed the event, which occurred early Sunday. The destroyed bridge reportedly passed above the railway tracks where the train was travelling, leading to the catastrophic accident.
Unpacked:
Russian officials have stated the collapses were caused by explosions and are treating them as "acts of terrorism." Preliminary reports mention explosions were heard before the Bryansk bridge collapse, and Russian Railways cited "unlawful interference." However, no group has claimed responsibility, and an official investigation is ongoing.
Yes, Ukraine's intelligence agencies and partisan movements have been linked to previous sabotage attacks on Russian railways in border regions, including Bryansk, to disrupt military logistics. However, there is currently no direct evidence or official Ukrainian comment linking Ukraine to this specific incident.
At least seven people died and 69 were injured in the Bryansk train derailment. Reports indicate that 44 people were hospitalized, including at least three children. There were about 379 passengers on the train at the time of the accident.
Since the war began in February 2022, Russia's border regions like Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod have seen continued cross-border shelling, drone strikes, and covert raids from Ukraine. Such attacks have targeted infrastructure and military logistics, contributing to instability and civilian casualties in these areas.