Russia: Freight train derails as railway bridge collapses, 2nd in 24 hrs
A freight train locomotive and three of its empty cars derailed on Sunday after a railway bridge collapsed in Russia's Zheleznogorsk district of the Kursk region, marking the second such incident in under 24 hours. The acting governor of the region, Alexander Khinshtein, reported that the collapse occurred on the 48th kilometre of the Trosna-Kalinovka highway."Tonight, on the 48th km of the Trosna-Kalinovka highway in the Zheleznogorsk District, a bridge collapsed when a freight train was crossing it. Part of the train fell down onto a road located under the bridge," Khinshtein stated on his Telegram channel.He added that the locomotive caught fire, but emergency response teams from the Ministry of Emergency Situations quickly contained the blaze. The rest of the train remains on the railway platform.According to preliminary information, one of the train's drivers sustained leg injuries.Authorities have suspended traffic on the road underneath the collapsed bridge as a precaution.This incident comes shortly after a separate derailment late Saturday in Russia's Bryansk region, where a passenger train plunged off the tracks following another bridge collapse.The passenger train was travelling from Moscow to Klimov when it derailed in the Vygonichskyi district.At least seven people were killed and 69 others injured in that crash, Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz confirmed.The train's locomotive driver was among the deceased, according to Russian state media, citing medical sources.The Ministry of Emergency Situations announced that approximately 180 personnel were deployed to the Bryansk site to assist with rescue efforts and to search for any remaining victims.Authorities have cited "illegal interference" as the likely cause behind the Bryansk derailment.Reports from the Baza Telegram channel, known for sourcing information from Russian law enforcement and security services, suggested that preliminary findings indicated the bridge might have been deliberately blown up.However, no concrete evidence has yet been provided to support this claim.The Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions have frequently come under cross-border shelling, drone strikes, and covert operations from Ukrainian territory since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.(This story was taken from a syndicated feed and was only edited for style by Gujarat Samachar Digital team)
Russia Faces Twin Railway Disasters Amid Rising TensionsThe Moscow Times+2The Washington Post+2The Sun+2
In a span of 24 hours, Russia witnessed two catastrophic railway incidents in its western regions bordering Ukraine, resulting in seven fatalities and numerous injuries.The Moscow Times+7WION News+7The Washington Post+7
Bryansk Region: Passenger Train Tragedy
Late Saturday night, a bridge collapse in the Bryansk region led to a passenger train derailment, claiming seven lives, including the train's driver. Among the injured are a 4-month-old infant and several others in critical condition. Preliminary investigations suggest the bridge was targeted with explosive devices, indicating a possible act of sabotage. The Sun+3The Washington Post+3AP News+3
Kursk Region: Freight Train Derailment
Hours after the Bryansk incident, a railway bridge in the neighboring Kursk region collapsed as a freight train was crossing, causing a derailment and injuring at least one crew member. Authorities are probing the incident as a potential terrorist act, with initial reports pointing to deliberate sabotage. Wikipedia+5The Sun+5AP News+5
Investigations and Political Implications
Russia's Investigative Committee has launched criminal inquiries into both incidents, treating them as acts of terrorism. While no group has claimed responsibility, the Kremlin has hinted at Ukrainian involvement, though Ukrainian officials have not commented. These events occur amid escalating tensions and ongoing conflicts in the region. The Washington Post+3The Moscow Times+3The Kyiv Independent+3The Washington Post
Infrastructure Security Under Scrutiny
The twin disasters have raised serious concerns about the security of Russia's critical infrastructure, especially in regions adjacent to conflict zones. Authorities are expected to reassess and bolster protective measures to prevent future incidents.
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