BRYANSK REGION,
RUSSIA – June 1, 2025 –
A late-night passenger train bound for Moscow derailed catastrophically
Saturday after a road bridge collapsed onto the tracks in western Russia,
killing at least seven people and injuring nearly 70 others, including
children. Russian authorities are pointing to "illegal interference"
as the cause.
- What Happened: Road bridge collapse onto
railway tracks causing passenger train derailment.
- Location: Bryansk region, Russia
(bordering Ukraine); between Pilshko & Vygonichi stations.
- When: Late Saturday, June 1st (approx.
10:44 PM local).
- Casualties: At least 7 dead, 69 injured
(including 3 children).
- Train: Klimovo to Moscow.
- Alleged Cause: "Illegal interference"
causing bridge collapse (per rail operator).
- Status: Rescue operations ongoing;
investigation launched.
The Incident:
- The derailment occurred at
approximately 10:44 PM local time (1944 GMT) between the stations of
Pilshko and Vygonichi in the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine.
- The train was traveling from the
border town of Klimovo to the Russian capital, Moscow.
- A span of a road bridge gave way,
crashing down onto the railway below just as the passenger train was
passing.
Casualties:
- Bryansk Governor Aleksandr Bogomaz
confirmed the death toll on Telegram: "There are seven dead
as a result of the collapse of a bridge onto railway tracks."
- At least 69 people were
injured, according to Governor Bogomaz, cited by AFP. This figure
includes three children. The severity of the injuries varies.
Cause &
Investigation:
- State-owned rail operator Moscow
Railways stated the derailment happened "due to the collapse of a
road bridge span, as a result of illegal interference in
the operation of transport."
- The term "illegal
interference" suggests potential sabotage or deliberate tampering,
though authorities have not yet provided specific details on the nature of
this interference or who might be responsible. An investigation is
undoubtedly underway.
- Moscow Railways confirmed the incident
did not disrupt other train traffic on the line.
Scene of the
Disaster:
Disturbing videos circulating on social media depict the chaotic aftermath:
- Rescuers are seen working frantically
amidst a large mound of rubble covering what appears to be carriages of
the Russian Railways train.
- One video captures the sounds of
people screaming in distress and panic immediately following the collapse.
A woman is heard shouting, "How did the bridge collapse?
There are children there!"
- Another video shows eyewitnesses
rushing to find help amid the chaos.
Emergency services, including
rescue teams and medical personnel, were swiftly deployed to the scene. The
priority remains search and rescue operations, treating the injured, and
recovering the bodies of the deceased.
Governor Bogomaz and other regional
officials are coordinating the response. The Kremlin has yet to issue a formal
statement, but the incident's severity and the allegation of "illegal
interference" near the Ukrainian border will draw significant attention.
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