Russia explosions claimed at least seven lives and injured dozens in two major bridge collapses in Bryansk and Kursk, near the Ukrainian border. These coordinated attacks, which derailed trains and disrupted transport infrastructure, have been officially classified as acts of terrorism. The violence has intensified concerns over Russia’s internal security amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The first and deadlier of the two events happened late Saturday in Bryansk, where an explosion caused a road bridge to collapse onto a railway line.
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A passenger train bound for Moscow was derailed, killing seven people and injuring at least 71, according to regional authorities. Emergency teams responded to the chaotic scene, where videos showed rescuers searching through twisted metal as passengers screamed in panic.
Hours later, another explosion rocked the neighbouring Kursk region, this time derailing a freight train after a rail bridge gave way.
Local officials said the train fell onto a road below, injuring one of the locomotive drivers. Russian authorities quickly labeled both incidents as criminal acts, launching formal investigations and classifying them as terrorism.
Though no group has claimed responsibility, Russian lawmakers immediately blamed Ukraine. Andrey Klishas, a senior member of the ruling party, described Ukraine as a “terrorist enclave.”
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Kyiv has yet to respond but has been previously accused of targeting Russia’s rail infrastructure to disrupt military logistics.
These attacks come at a sensitive time. Russian President Vladimir Putin was kept informed overnight, and the explosions occurred just as diplomatic efforts were underway for possible Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul.
The attacks also serve as a grim reminder of Russia’s vulnerability within its own borders, particularly in regions close to the war front.