Russia: One dead as bridge collapses on railway tracks
Local officials report that a road bridge has collapsed onto railway tracks in western Russia, resulting in the death of one woman and injuring five others. They state that all train traffic has been stopped following the incident on Monday in Vyazma, Smolensk region.
Additionally, approximately 8,000 households are facing gas shortages due to damage to pipelines caused by the collapse. The cause of the collapse of the Paninsky overpass is under investigation, with one news channel suggesting that its age may have been a contributing factor.
According to the 112 Telegram channel, local residents had repeatedly requested authorities to repair the overpass. It is believed that several vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the collapse, with later images depicting an overturned car and a lorry.
Regional Governor Vasiliy Anokhin reveals that six out of seven spans of the bridge collapsed. Three of the injured individuals have been transferred to Moscow, while a 14-year-old girl is receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Expressing his condolences, Governor Anokhin writes on social media, “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased woman.”
The governor adds that more than 160 emergency personnel are working at the scene through the night to restore the train traffic as soon as possible.
