//Tragedy on the Tracks: Two Deadly Bridge Collapses in Russia Near Ukraine Leave 7 Dead and Dozens Injured//
Date: June 1, 2025
By: sanjoy kumar sutradhar;
In a devastating turn of events, two major bridge collapses in Russia’s western regions near the Ukrainian border have left at least seven people dead and over sixty injured. The horrifying incidents, which occurred in Bryansk and Kursk, have shocked residents and authorities alike, especially due to their timing and similarities. The events have raised serious questions about infrastructure security, potential sabotage, and the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
This long-read article explores every detail behind the twin disasters, the response from Russian authorities, the political implications, and what may happen next. With rising tensions in the region and growing fears of more attacks or infrastructure failures, the world watches closely.
A City in Chaos: The Bryansk Bridge Collapse That Killed Seven
Late Saturday night, a road bridge in the Bryansk region of western Russia collapsed directly onto a passenger train, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread injuries. The incident occurred in the Vygonichi district, just about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Ukrainian border.
Authorities reported that seven people lost their lives, including the train’s engineer, and 66 others were injured, among them three children. The passenger train was traveling from Klimov to Moscow when the bridge above suddenly gave way, crushing the moving train below.
What Caused the Bridge to Collapse?
Bryansk’s Governor Alexander Bogomaz quickly pointed to an explosion, stating publicly that the bridge had been “blown up.” Russian state media and Moscow Railway later echoed these claims, citing “illegal interference in transport operations.” These comments have fueled suspicion of intentional sabotage, possibly linked to the war in Ukraine.
Photos and videos shared by authorities showed massive amounts of debris, including broken concrete and steel beams, lying on top of the derailed train. Emergency crews worked through the night to pull survivors from the wreckage and transport them to nearby hospitals.
Disaster Strikes Again: Second Bridge Collapses in Kursk Region
Just hours after the Bryansk disaster, a second bridge collapse took place in the Kursk region, which also borders Ukraine. This time, the victim was a freight train. The train, carrying unknown cargo, was traveling across a bridge when it collapsed, throwing several train cars onto the road below.
One of the drivers sustained injuries, and the train caught fire, requiring immediate emergency response. Acting Governor Alexander Khinshtein confirmed the details and shared images of the burning wreckage on Telegram. Emergency services rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze and secure the area.
Multiple Explosions: Are These Attacks?
The Russian Investigative Committee initially described both incidents as “terrorist acts” caused by explosions. However, this description was later removed from official statements. Now, investigators are saying only that they are working to determine the “full circumstances” of what happened.
The timing, locations, and similar nature of the two collapses have led many to believe that they were coordinated acts of sabotage. This belief is further strengthened by a third incident that occurred on the same night in occupied Ukrainian territory.
Third Incident: Military Freight Train Blown Up Near Melitopol
Ukrainian intelligence confirmed that a Russian military freight train was blown up near Melitopol, in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. According to reports, the explosion caused multiple fuel tanks and freight cars to derail along a strategic railway used frequently by Russian forces transporting military supplies toward Crimea.
This attack has been claimed by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence and is being called a precision strike on a “key logistical artery.” While Ukrainian officials have not directly confirmed involvement in the Bryansk or Kursk incidents, the proximity to Ukraine and the escalation of sabotage activities suggest a broader strategy is unfolding.
Zelensky Responds: Peace Talks Still on the Table
Despite the deadly events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a Ukrainian delegation will attend the second round of peace talks in Istanbul. Speaking on social media, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s non-negotiable demands, including:
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A full and unconditional ceasefire
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Return of abducted Ukrainian children
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Release of all prisoners
The President also indicated that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov would lead the delegation. The commitment to peace talks comes amid growing accusations from Russia that Ukraine is behaving like a “terrorist state,” a claim Ukrainian officials have flatly denied.
Human Impact: Victims, Evacuations, and Medical Emergencies
The human cost of the bridge collapses has been enormous. In Bryansk, 388 passengers were aboard the train. Survivors describe a terrifying scene of falling debris, shattered windows, and people screaming in the dark. Those injured were quickly transported to regional hospitals, with 44 people hospitalized, including a child in serious condition.
In Kursk, while the damage was less severe, the fire and destruction caused significant concern. Emergency shelters have been set up in both regions to help affected families, while rail workers and medics work around the clock to restore safety.
Kremlin Reacts: Putin Briefed, Investigation Underway
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been personally updated throughout the night by the Federal Security Service (FSB) and Russia’s Emergencies Ministry. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin also held calls with regional leaders and the head of Russian Railways, Oleg Belozerov.
Although the Kremlin has not yet issued a final conclusion on what caused the collapses, the tone of state media and political leaders suggests that Russia sees this as part of a larger campaign of sabotage, possibly orchestrated or supported by Ukraine or pro-Ukrainian sympathizers inside Russia.
Background: History of Railway Sabotage Since the War Began
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there have been numerous attacks on railways in both Russia and Russian-occupied territories. These include:
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Fires on supply trains
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Blasts under military convoys
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Derailments caused by remote explosives
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Rail disruptions by partisan sabotage groups
In one notable case in 2023, a massive fire tore through a train traveling through eastern Russia. Ukrainian sources claimed responsibility, stating it was an act of military resistance.
Implications for Infrastructure Security in Russia
The recent disasters have put a spotlight on the vulnerability of Russian infrastructure. Despite tight security around critical sites, the attacks have shown that rail lines, bridges, and tunnels remain exposed to high-risk threats.
Experts suggest Russia may need to:
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Reinforce key bridges with military protection
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Install real-time surveillance systems
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Increase counter-sabotage efforts within its borders
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Limit movement through strategic zones
With global attention on the ongoing war and peace talks, these attacks could have a major influence on the Kremlin’s security posture and domestic policies.
Western Response: Monitoring but Silent
So far, Western nations have remained silent on the issue of the bridge collapses. However, intelligence agencies in the U.S. and Europe are believed to be closely monitoring the situation. There are concerns that escalating attacks on Russian infrastructure could push Putin to retaliate, potentially derailing the already fragile peace process.
Tension, Tragedy, and the Road Ahead
The twin bridge collapses in Bryansk and Kursk, along with the military train derailment in Melitopol, mark a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While investigations continue, the human toll is clear—and the political consequences are only just beginning to emerge.
As world leaders prepare for new peace talks and civilians mourn the dead, the fear of more attacks, more accidents, and more suffering hangs over the region. Whether these events push the sides closer to peace or further into war will depend on what happens in the days and weeks to come.