A passenger train in western Russia derailed late Saturday night due to a bridge collapse, a situation described by officials as resulting from “illegal interference.” The incident occurred in the Bryansk region, which is adjacent to Ukraine, and has led to the tragic deaths of at least seven people, with around 30 others sustaining injuries.
According to a statement from Moscow Railways, the bridge above the railway tracks was compromised due to unlawful actions pertaining to transport operations, although further details were not provided. Reports from Russia’s federal road transportation agency, Rosavtodor, confirmed the bridge’s destruction during the train’s passage.
Images shared by government sources from the crash site depict mangled passenger carriages scattered among debris from the collapsed overpass. Additionally, social media footage showed vehicles that narrowly missed driving onto the bridge just before it gave way.
Bryansk regional Governor Alexander Bogomaz has indicated that both emergency responders and local officials are actively engaged at the site to assist those affected by the incident. He confirmed the fatalities, noting that two children were included among the injured. “Everything is being done to provide all necessary assistance to the victims,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing efforts to support those impacted by this tragedy.