Seven people were killed and close to 70 others hurt when a passenger train derailed in Russia’s Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border, Russian officials confirmed late Friday.
The train had been moving north toward Moscow when it rolled over a damaged bridge, sending several carriages crashing off the tracks. Among the dead was the train’s driver. Dozens more — including at least three children — were taken to nearby hospitals. Some remain in serious condition.
The cause? Still being investigated. But Russian authorities aren’t ruling out foul play. They’ve opened a criminal case and pointed to possible “interference” with the railway line. While there’s no official accusation yet, the crash site lies near a zone that has seen heightened conflict activity over the past year.
“We heard a huge noise, then a jolt — and people started shouting,” one survivor told a local outlet. Another described being thrown into the aisle as the train lurched. The scenes were chaotic. Emergency responders reached the wreck within minutes, with over 170 people helping in the rescue.
Photos and videos from the locality revealed debris of steel, luggage scattered everywhere, and ruined seats. A few passengers helped transfer the injured away from the wreckage, before ambulances could arrive!
Governor Alexander Bogomaz stated this was a “terrible tragedy”, he also pledged full support to the relatives and families of those who were victims. He added that they would increase security and precaution planning with the transport network across the locality.
This part of Bryansk has seen infrastructure targeted before. Railway lines, power grids, and roads have all suffered damage since the Russia-Ukraine war escalated. That’s why Friday’s derailment is raising eyebrows — and fears that rail travel may now be part of broader risks facing western Russian regions.
Russian Railways temporarily suspended service on that stretch. Investigators remain on-site, collecting debris and speaking with survivors. The bridge’s remains will be tested for structural damage — or signs of deliberate sabotage.
For now, the priority remains recovery. But as more details come out, the question is likely to shift: Was this just a tragic accident? Or something more deliberate?
