At least seven people were killed and 69 others injured when a highway bridge collapsed onto railway tracks in Russia’s Bryansk region, causing a train to derail near the Ukraine border. Among the casualties was the train’s locomotive driver, according to Russian state media.
The incident occurred on a route from Klimovo to Moscow in the Vygonichskyi district, around 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Authorities said 44 people were hospitalized, including three children—one in critical condition.
Initial reports from Russian Railways suggested “illegal interference” may have caused the collapse, though the post was later removed. The Baza Telegram channel, known for sourcing from Russian security services, claimed the bridge may have been blown up. This has not been independently verified, and Ukraine has not commented.
Emergency response teams worked overnight with around 180 personnel involved in rescue operations. Social media footage showed passengers helping each other escape the wreckage, while firefighters searched for survivors.
The region has experienced ongoing cross-border attacks and drone strikes since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began more than three years ago.
In the wake of the incident, U.S. President Donald Trump urged renewed peace talks, while Russia proposed a second round of discussions with Ukrainian officials in Istanbul next week. Ukraine has yet to confirm participation.