Russia’s investigative authorities have formally designated the recent bridge collapses in the Bryansk and Kursk regions as acts of terror. The incidents on May 31 saw two explosions along key railway lines, leading to fatal derailments and raising urgent questions about border security and infrastructure resilience.
At 10:50 p.m. local time in the Bryansk region, an explosion on the Vygonichi–Pilshino railway caused a road bridge to collapse. The passenger train carrying 388 people derailed; seven lives were lost and 66 others were injured, according to Governor Alexander Bogomaz.
Shortly after, a similar blast on a bridge in the Kursk region dropped a passing train onto the roadway, injuring the driver and two assistants. While detailed casualty figures are still emerging, the scale of both incidents has prompted swift action.
"The Main Investigative Directorate, on the instructions of the chairman of the Investigative Committee, has initiated criminal cases regarding the explosions… These incidents have been classified as acts of terrorism," said Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson for the committee.
This classification activates specialized anti-terror protocols and could reshape security measures along rail corridors near Russia’s western border. For travelers and freight operators, the events underscore the vulnerabilities of critical transport links in regions experiencing heightened geopolitical tension.
As investigations unfold, authorities will analyze forensic evidence, cross-border intelligence, and infrastructure design to pinpoint responsibility and prevent future attacks. The global rail community is watching closely, mindful that safeguarding transit networks is essential for economic stability and public trust.
Reference(s):
Russian investigator classifies bridge collapses as 'terrorist attack'
cgtn.com
