Deadly Train Derailments in Russia Following Bridge Collapses
In separate incidents, bridges in the Russian regions of Bryansk and Kursk collapsed, resulting in the derailment of a passenger and a freight train. The derailments have caused at least seven deaths and numerous injuries, with the total number of casualties expected to rise.
Background
The first incident occurred on May 31, close to Ukraine, in the Bryansk region when a passenger train derailed after a bridge collapsed due to what local officials described as illegal interference.
The bridge collapse came after reports of explosions in the Vygonichsky district of Bryansk Oblast. Several hours later, a similar incident took place in the Kursk region involving a freight train.
Casualties and Injuries
The Bryansk region governor, Alexander Bogomaz, confirmed that seven people died in the passenger train derailment and 47 people were hospitalized. Among the injured is an eight-month-old boy who will be taken to Moscow for treatment. The conductor of the train was also killed in the incident. In addition, one of the freight train’s drivers in the Kursk region had his legs injured.
Footage from the scene showed fire crews responding after the road bridge came down in Bryansk. Rescuers are continuing to examine the damaged carriages and locomotive of the train.
Reactions and Investigation
Russian senator Andrey Klishas suggested that Kiev-related terrorism
was behind the Bryansk train crash, stating that Ukraine has turned into a lawless terrorist enclave without borders or a legitimate government.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) reported a Russian military train carrying fuel and food was blown up overnight on June 1 near Melitopol but did not claim responsibility for the incident.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the two train derailments as a tragedy. Investigators are currently inspecting the site of the bridge collapse in the Bryansk region. All emergency services and government officials are working at the scene.
Implications
The derailments not only resulted in significant loss of life and injuries but also disrupted key logistical arteries. According to the Russian Telegram channel ASTRA, a total of 379 people were on board the passenger train at the time of derailment. The freight train explosion near Melitopol disrupted what HUR described as the Muscovites' key logistical artery on the occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Crimea.
Conclusion
Both incidents are under investigation as authorities seek to determine the cause of the bridge collapses. The incidents have raised security concerns in the region, particularly in the context of the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.