Passenger Train Derails in Bryansk Region, Russia: Seven Dead, Thirty Injured After Bridge Collapse
A tragic train derailment in Russia’s Bryansk region has resulted in the deaths of at least seven people and left 30 others injured, including two children. The incident occurred late Saturday when a passenger train collided with a bridge that collapsed due to what local authorities are calling "illegal interference."
Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz confirmed the fatalities in a Telegram post, stating, "Unfortunately, there are seven fatalities." He also mentioned that the injured passengers, including two children, were transported to nearby medical facilities, with two individuals reported to be in serious condition. Among the deceased is the train’s driver, according to reports from Russian news agencies.
The bridge, which was situated above the railway tracks, collapsed as the train was traveling from Klimov to Moscow. The collision took place near the village of Vygonichi, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Rescuers are currently working to locate passengers who may be trapped inside the damaged train, while emergency accommodations have been established at a local school in Vygonichi.
Moscow Railway issued a statement on Telegram, indicating that the bridge’s collapse was linked to "illegal interference in the operation of transport." However, no further details were provided. The Baza Telegram channel, known for sharing information from security sources, reported—without evidence—that preliminary information suggested the bridge may have been blown up.
This incident follows a series of explosions that have derailed multiple trains—primarily freight trains—in regions of Russia near Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. While there has been no immediate response from Ukraine regarding this specific incident, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that Ukrainian air defense units were engaged in repelling a Russian air attack on the capital just two hours after the bridge collapse was reported.
Earlier on Saturday, Russian drone and missile strikes resulted in at least two fatalities in Ukraine. Since the onset of the conflict three years ago, there has been continuous cross-border shelling, drone strikes, and covert operations from Ukraine targeting Russia’s Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions.
In related news, U.S. President Donald Trump has called for collaboration between Moscow and Kyiv to negotiate an end to the war. Russia has proposed a second round of in-person talks with Ukrainian officials to be held next week in Istanbul, but Ukraine has yet to respond, citing the need to review Russian proposals first. Additionally, a prominent U.S. senator has warned that Moscow will face severe consequences from new sanctions.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
