Seven Dead in Bridge Collapse and Train Derailment Near Ukraine

• Train collides with a collapsed bridge in Bryansk region.
• Authorities report seven fatalities, 69 injured.
• Rescue efforts involve approximately 180 personnel.

At least seven people lost their lives and 69 were injured when a highway bridge collapsed onto railway tracks, leading to a train derailment in Russia’s Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine, as reported by officials on Sunday morning.

Initially, Russia’s Railways claimed on Telegram that the bridge collapse was due to “illegal interference in transport operations,” but this post has since been deleted.

According to Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of Bryansk region, 44 individuals were hospitalized, including three children, one of whom is in serious condition.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations reported via Telegram that rescue operations continued throughout the night, involving around 180 responders.

Reports indicate that the train’s locomotive driver was among those who lost their lives, as per state news agencies citing medical personnel.

Images and videos shared on social media showed passengers assisting one another in escaping the damaged train carriages amidst darkness, with firefighters working to reach them.

The Baza Telegram channel, which often relays information from security service sources, claimed—without providing evidence—that preliminary reports suggest the bridge was detonated.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm this report, and Ukraine has yet to comment.

Since the war started over three years ago, the region has witnessed ongoing cross-border shelling, drone strikes, and covert operations from Ukraine into the Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions.

The train was en route from Klimovo to Moscow when it struck the collapsed bridge in the Vygonichskyi district of Bryansk region, approximately 100 km (62 miles) from the Ukrainian border, according to Bogomaz.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called for collaboration between Moscow and Kyiv to reach a peace agreement, while Russia has suggested another round of direct talks with Ukrainian officials next week in Istanbul.

Ukraine has not yet confirmed its participation in the Monday discussions, stating that it needs to review Russia’s proposals first, while a prominent U.S. senator has warned that Moscow will face severe consequences from upcoming U.S. sanctions.