Multiple Fatalities Reported Following Bridge Collapse in Russia

Russian officials have reported that two bridge collapses occurring since Saturday evening were likely triggered by explosions. While these claims have yet to be substantiated, the Ukrainian military has not released a statement regarding the incidents.

In a separate incident, the Ukrainian Security Service (HUR) has reported an explosion involving a Russian military transport train carrying fuel tanks near Melitopol in the Zaporizhzhia region, far from the collapse site. The train was reportedly en route to Crimea.

On Sunday, Russian politicians lined up to accuse Ukraine of terrorism, asserting that the events were part of an attempt to sabotage peace negotiations set to take place in Istanbul on Monday. Andrej Kartapolov, Chairman of the Defense Committee, claimed that the incidents were the work of Ukrainian special forces.

The first bridge collapse occurred around 10:50 PM on Saturday in the Vygonitj district, approximately 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, close to a federal highway. Among the deceased was the train's driver, as reported by the state-controlled news agency RIA. At least six other individuals are confirmed dead.

Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of the region, stated that 47 individuals have been hospitalized, including three children, one of whom is in critical condition. Overall, reports indicate that 69 individuals sustained injuries in the incident.

Images from the scene depict ongoing rescue efforts amid the debris.

The train involved was traveling from Moscow to Klimov in the Belgorod region at the time of the collapse, carrying approximately 379 passengers according to railway authorities.

Social media footage shows passengers attempting to assist one another as they exit the damaged train cars, while rescue personnel navigate the dark to reach others in need.

A Russian Telegram channel, Baza, which frequently shares information from security services and police, has claimed, without providing evidence, that the bridge was detonated. Reports also indicate that explosions were heard shortly before the collapse.

By Sunday morning, Governor Bogomaz reiterated claims that the bridge collapsed as the Kilmovo-Moscow train, with 388 passengers on board, passed over it.

In a related incident, a second bridge reportedly collapsed in the Kursk region of Russia early Sunday morning, coinciding with the passage of a freight train. Initial reports suggest that one of the train drivers sustained injuries, while parts of the freight train fell onto the road below, igniting a fire that was quickly extinguished.

This second collapse occurred four hours after the first, with both regions situated in close proximity to one another. Russian authorities have also suggested that this bridge was subjected to an explosion, linking the two events, although no evidence has been presented to support this assertion.