01-06-2025
Seven dead after bridge collapses onto train in Russia
At least seven people were killed and dozens injured on Saturday night when a bridge collapsed onto a moving train in a Russian region bordering Ukraine.
Multiple large trucks travelling along the bridge crashed onto the passenger train in the Vygonichsky district of the Bryansk region, causing it to derail at 10.44pm (7.44pm GMT) between Pilshino and Vygonichi stations.
At least 69 people were injured in the incident, including three children, which Moscow Railways blamed on 'illegal interference'.
'As of this hour, the number of victims is 69 people, including three children. Three victims are in serious condition, including one child. 44 people have been hospitalised. 22 people are being observed as outpatients,' Aleksandr Bogomaz, the regional governor, wrote on Telegram.
Mr Bogomaz said earlier that one of the children will be airlifted to Moscow for treatment.
Several Russian Telegram channels have stated without evidence that the bridge was blown up. Reuters said it could not verify the reports.
Russia's federal road transportation agency, Rosavtodor, said the bridge passed directly above the tracks where the train travelled and is believed to have collided with the train seconds after it collapsed.
The impact reportedly flattened the first car of the train, killing the driver and his assistant, the Russian social media channel SHOT reported.
Photos published online by Russian authorities depicted a collapsed section of the bridge and damaged vehicles. Other photos showed passengers helping each other climb out of destroyed carriages.
Emergency services deployed overnight were working to find and rescue passengers who had been travelling on the train.
The disaster area is around 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Ukraine has not taken responsibility for the incident.
More to follow.
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