Moscow [Russia], June 1: At least seven people have been killed and dozens injured after a bridge collapsed on a train in Russia's Bryansk region, with reports that the bridge collapsed due to an explosion.
RT on June 1 quoted Governor Alexander Bogomaz in Russia's Bryansk region as saying that a bridge in the region collapsed on May 31, crushing a train below , killing at least 7 people and injuring 30 others.
While the exact cause of the incident has not been determined, Russian Railways said the bridge pier collapsed due to "illegal interference with transport operations".
Izvestia newspaper quoted regional health officials as saying the bridge collapsed due to an explosion. Multiple Telegram news channels suggested the collapse may have been caused by sabotage. Mr Bogomaz said that "everything necessary is being done to assist" the victims.
The Western Interregional Investigation Department on Transport of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation said it received information at 22:50 on May 31 that a road bridge structure had collapsed on the Vygonichi-Pilshino section in the Bryansk region.
Videos circulating on Telegram showed a crushed train car and passengers being evacuated through broken windows. Emergency services were on the scene. The bridge collapse also affected vehicles traveling on the bridge, but details were not immediately clear.
The Russian Emergencies Ministry said fire and rescue services were working at the scene of the bridge collapse. "All necessary assistance is being provided to the victims. Additional forces, emergency rescue equipment and lighting towers for night operations have been deployed to the area," the ministry said.
Just days ago, a freight train in Russia's Belgorod region ran over an explosive device planted under the tracks, causing a massive explosion. The blast damaged the railway but caused no casualties, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
