Russian Investigators Attribute Bridge Collapses in Kursk and Bryansk to Explosions
Two Bridges Collapse Over Weekend in Border Regions
On Sunday, Russian investigators announced their belief that explosions led to the collapse of two bridges in the border regions of Kursk and Bryansk, resulting in train derailments that have claimed at least seven lives and injured dozens more. This development follows a series of suspected sabotage attacks across Russia, especially targeting its extensive railway network since the Kremlin’s military campaign against Ukraine began in 2022.
Bryansk Incident
In Bryansk, which borders Ukraine, a critical infrastructure disaster struck when a road bridge caved in onto a railway line late Saturday. This collapse derailed a passenger train en route to Moscow, leading to multiple fatalities. The Bryansk governor, Alexander Bogomaz, cited an explosion as the cause of the bridge collapse while the Klimovo-Moscow train, carrying 388 passengers, was crossing. This incident has left Bryansk grappling with the aftermath of what appears to be a coordinated attack, raising concerns about the security of critical infrastructure on the Russian-Ukrainian border.
Kursk Incident
Separately, in the Kursk region, another bridge collapse disrupted transportation when a rail bridge gave way, derailing a freight train. According to Kursk’s governor, Alexander Khinshtein, the incident caused injuries to one of the locomotive drivers, who was subsequently taken to a hospital. The governor emphasized the severity of the situation, noting the collapse’s impact on both the railway and road transport passing under the bridge.
Explosions Investigated as Acts of Terrorism
State media has reported that Russian investigators are examining the bridge collapses as potential acts of terrorism. This investigation reflects a growing concern about sabotage activities, which have increasingly targeted Russia’s railway system—a vital artery for the transport of military supplies to Ukraine. Kyiv has previously stated that it views attacks on railways as a strategic move to disrupt the supply chain supporting the conflict in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Role
Ukraine has not immediately commented on the incidents. However, the country has been blamed by Russia for similar incidents in the past, though Kyiv has consistently denied any involvement in sabotage activities on Russian soil. The ongoing conflict between the two nations continues to cast a shadow over the safety and stability of regions along their border, with Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod being particular hotspots for cross-border hostilities.
Response Efforts
Rescue operations are underway in both regions. Ambulances and emergency response teams have been dispatched to Bryansk, while Russian Railways has announced that repair teams are on their way to address the damages. The crisis has also prompted concern in central Moscow, with ambulances stationed at Kievsky railway station in anticipation of the arrival of injured passengers.
In the wake of these events, Russia is stepping up its scrutiny of potential security threats, particularly those that could compromise the integrity of its infrastructure. With tensions high and both sides accusing each other of aggression, the stability of the border regions remains fragile, underpinning the broader conflict that has dominated the region for years.
