A passenger train travelling from Klimov to Moscow derailed late Saturday in Russia’s Bryansk region, close to the Ukrainian border, killing at least seven people and injuring 30 others, according to local officials.
Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz confirmed the casualties in a statement posted on Telegram, noting that two of the injured are children, while at least two individuals remain in serious condition.
Russian news agencies reported that the train collided with a collapsed bridge near the village of Vygonichi, approximately 100 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. The bridge, which spanned above the railway line, reportedly gave way due to what authorities described as “illegal interference.”
“The bridge collapsed as a result of an illegal interference in the operation of transport,” said Moscow Railway in a statement on Telegram. The Russian federal road agency, Rosavtodor, also confirmed the destruction of the bridge, stating it stood directly above the railway where the derailment occurred.
Among the deceased was the train’s driver, according to state media reports.
Emergency responders were engaged in search-and-rescue operations well into the night, attempting to locate any remaining passengers trapped inside the mangled carriages. Temporary shelters were established at a local school in Vygonichi to accommodate the displaced, the RIA news agency reported.
Authorities have not officially attributed blame, but the incident has raised concerns due to its proximity to the border and the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. While Ukrainian officials have yet to comment, Moscow has often accused Kyiv of orchestrating attacks or sabotage within Russian territory since the escalation of hostilities in February 2022.
The derailment occurred just ahead of high-level diplomatic engagements, with Ukraine reportedly withholding commitment to scheduled peace talks until reviewing Moscow’s proposals. Meanwhile, a senior US senator warned that Russia could face intensified sanctions if tensions further escalate.
Security has been tightened in the Bryansk region in recent months following a series of incidents, including drone strikes and reported sabotage attempts linked to the conflict.
