In the quiet early hours of Saturday, what began as a routine passenger train ride in Russia’s Komi Republic turned into a disaster. A railway bridge collapsed near the town of Inta, sending several train cars plunging into a forested ravine — killing at least seven people and injuring nearly 70 others.
“It sounded like the sky cracked open,” one witness told a local outlet. “Then everything went silent… except for the screams.”
A Scene of Chaos and Heroism
Photos and videos from the scene show twisted metal, overturned train carriages, and emergency workers working tirelessly through the wreckage. Firefighters used cutting tools to rescue passengers trapped inside the mangled compartments, while helicopters transported the critically injured to hospitals in Syktyvkar.
More than 200 emergency responders rushed to the site. The local government declared a state of emergency, bracing for the possibility of rising casualties.
What Caused the Collapse?
Initial reports suggest the bridge may have failed due to corrosion and recent heavy rains, but officials stress that a full structural audit is underway. The collapse has once again raised alarms about the aging infrastructure of Russia’s vast railway network — one of the oldest in the world.
A Presidential Response
Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefed shortly after the incident. He reportedly ordered immediate aid and support for the victims and their families.
“The country mourns with the families who lost their loved ones,” a Kremlin spokesperson said.
Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
This incident is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over Russia’s outdated transport infrastructure. Analysts expect a nationwide safety review in the coming weeks.
But for families affected, policy changes may offer little comfort. For them, it’s a heartbreak that will linger far longer than the headlines.
