Russian Investigator Labels Bridge Collapses as 'Terrorist Attacks' in New Investigation
Russian authorities label bridge collapses in Bryansk and Kursk as terrorist attacks, escalating regional security concerns.
Authorities in Russia have formally designated the recent collapses of railway bridges in the Bryansk and Kursk regions as acts of terrorism. The incidents, which unfolded overnight near the nation's western border, have resulted in multiple casualties and heightened concerns about the safety of critical infrastructure in the area.
According to the Russian Investigative Committee, criminal cases have been launched following a series of explosions that severely damaged rail lines serving passenger and freight routes. Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson for the committee, stated that the attacks were carried out on the instructions of unidentified perpetrators, deliberately targeting bridges in two border regions already under high alert due to ongoing tensions.
At approximately 10:50 p.m. local time on May 31, 2025, an explosive device detonated on the Vygonichi-Pilshino railway stretch in the Bryansk region. The blast caused a road bridge to collapse just as a passenger train carrying 388 people was passing over. The resulting derailment led to the tragic deaths of seven individuals and left 66 others injured, according to regional governor Alexander Bogomaz. Emergency crews responded quickly, evacuating survivors and transporting the wounded to local hospitals.
In a related incident, a separate explosion occurred on a railway bridge in the neighboring Kursk region. This attack forced a train off the bridge and onto the roadway below, causing injuries to the train’s driver and two assistants. Authorities have yet to disclose further details about the extent of the damage or the conditions of the injured crew members.
The latest events mark a significant escalation in threats to Russia’s transportation sector near its western frontier, where infrastructure has become increasingly vulnerable amid broader security concerns. Officials say investigative teams are working around the clock to identify those responsible and prevent additional attacks. The repercussions of these incidents are expected to reverberate throughout the affected communities as recovery operations continue.
Officials emphasized that the classification of these acts as terrorist attacks underscores their severity and the government's commitment to pursuing all leads in the ongoing investigation. The affected regions remain under heightened security, with additional surveillance and patrols being deployed along major transport corridors.
