Bridge Collapse Causes Train Derailment, Resulting in 7 Deaths and Over 30 Injuries
Moscow (The Hindu): A train derailed due to the collapse of a railway bridge in Bryansk, Russia. At least 7 people were killed and 30 were injured in this accident. The injured have been admitted to the hospital. The Bryansk region is adjacent to the border with Ukraine. Officials have cited 'illegal interference' as the reason behind this incident that took place on Sunday. Bryansk Region Governor Alexander Bogomaz has informed that two children are also among those admitted to the hospital, one of whom is in critical condition. Russian state news agencies, citing medical sources, reported that the locomotive driver is also among the dead.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations reported on Telegram that about 180 personnel were deployed to the scene, focusing on locating and rescuing the injured. According to a report by Russia's Baza Telegram channel, which often shares information from law enforcement and security services, initial findings indicate the bridge was blown up. However, the channel did not provide evidence to support the claim.
The Bryansk region, along with neighbouring Kursk and Belgorod regions, has repeatedly faced cross-border shelling, drone attacks and covert infiltrations from Ukrainian territory since the start of the war. Governor Bogomaz said the train was heading from Klimovo to Moscow when it collided with a collapsed bridge on a federal highway in the Vygonichsky district of the Bryansk region, about 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the Ukrainian border.
Meanwhile, amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, US President Donald Trump has called on Moscow and Kiev to cooperate on a peace deal to end the war. Meanwhile, Russia has proposed a second round of direct talks with Ukrainian officials, which are scheduled to take place in Istanbul next week. However, Ukraine has not yet confirmed its participation in the proposed talks on Monday, saying it would first have to review the specifics of Russia's proposals.