Two bridges in Russia's Bryansk and Kursk regions collapsed, resulting in at least seven fatalities and numerous injuries. Authorities are investigating the incidents as potential acts of terrorism, while some suspect political motives related to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Tragedy Strikes as Two Bridges Collapse in Russia Amid Tensions with Ukraine
Tragedy Strikes as Two Bridges Collapse in Russia Amid Tensions with Ukraine
Separate bridge failures in Russian regions lead to fatalities and injuries, raising suspicions of foul play.
At least seven people have lost their lives following the sudden collapse of two bridges in Russia's Bryansk and Kursk regions, heightening tensions as investigations are underway. The first incident occurred on Saturday night when a road bridge in Bryansk gave way, causing heavy trucks to fall onto a moving passenger train beneath. Regional governor Alexander Bogomaz reported that seven individuals were confirmed dead and at least 71 others sustained injuries in the disaster.
Images purportedly depicting the tragic scene in Bryansk were shared by Moscow officials, though their authenticity has not yet been verified by reliable sources. Hours later, another bridge fell in the Zheleznogorsk district of Kursk, resulting in a freight train derailing and catching fire. Acting governor Alexander Khinshtein revealed that initial evaluations suggest the bridge failure is under investigation, indicating that various emergency services are responding.
Moscow Railway officials suggested that the Bryansk bridge collapse may have stemmed from "illegal interference," while a Ukrainian security representative alleged that the incidents could be part of a Russian "false flag" operation. This perspective suggests the intention to sway international sentiment ahead of impending peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine scheduled for Monday in Turkey. Andrii Kovalenko, a Ukrainian security official, claimed that Russia may be attempting to disrupt these discussions, insisting that Ukraine had no motivation to sabotage the summit.
The Kremlin has announced that President Vladimir Putin received continuous updates on the situation. Images shared on social media after the first collapse show injured passengers escaping the wreckage. According to the railway service, an investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact causes of the bridge failures, and additional emergency personnel have been deployed to the affected areas.
As these alarming incidents unfolded, the Ukrainian Air Force reported a series of aggressive Russian strikes across seven regions, highlighting the escalating tensions and uncertainty in the ongoing conflict.
