Seven dead after train derailment blamed on sabotage in Russia
- At least seven people died, and 69 were injured after a passenger train derailment in the Bryansk region of Russia.
- The train derailed after the bridge it was crossing collapsed, with initial reports suggesting possible sabotage.
- This incident reflects increasing sabotage activities impacting Russian infrastructure amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine.
On May 31, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in the Bryansk region of Russia, resulting in the derailment of a passenger train. The train was nearing a bridge when it crashed, which is now believed to have collapsed due to an explosion. Local authorities reported that at least seven individuals were killed, including the locomotive driver, while 69 others sustained injuries. The accident happened at around 10:44 PM in the Vygonichsky district, approximately 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Emergency services quickly mobilized to the scene to provide assistance and address the aftermath of the derailment. Russian Railway officials indicated that the derailment was due to “illegal interference in the activities of transport” but did not elaborate further. There are unverified reports suggesting that the bridge may have been deliberately destroyed. The Baza Telegram channel, which is typically close to Russian authorities, claimed the bridge was blown up, but this information requires official confirmation. This incident compounded an already tense atmosphere as Russia has been facing multiple train-related derailments and allegations of sabotage in recent years. While this specific incident's cause remains under investigation, the media has previously noted suspicions of Ukrainian involvement in similar occurrences. The broader context of ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine raises questions about the safety of transport networks in these regions. Several reports have surfaced of Ukrainian partisans claiming responsibility for attacks against Russian railway infrastructure, further complicating the narrative surrounding these tragic events. The incidents over the weekend indicate a potentially coordinated attack against Russia’s rail system, as a second bridge in the Kursk region also collapsed. Although no fatalities were reported from that incident, it highlights a troubling trend and raises concerns about the stability of transport in the vicinity of the Ukrainian border. While details continue to emerge, the implications of these events suggest a shift in tactics in the ongoing conflict.