Kerch Bridge collapse: All about crucial bridge that links Russia with Crimea

In a major development, a fuel tank explosion resulted in the damage of a part of Kerch Bridge, which links Russia with Crimea on Saturday. The damaged portion of the bridge has also collapsed, announced Russian officials.

Kerch Bridge Damage

The Kerch Bridge is the longest in Europe and links Russia with the territory of Crimea. Russian officials confirmed that two spans of the bridge's roadbed from Krasnodar to Kerch collapsed due to a large explosion. The bridge is essential to Russia as a symbol of the physical reunification of the two regions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a government commission to investigate the incident that damaged the bridge.

Images of the bridge

Images of the fire on the Kerch Bridge were seen on social media. They appear to show portions of the roadway and rail bridge fallen into the water below the bridge. Video grabs show rail cars in flames. It is believed that fuel tanks on a locomotive caught fire. Officials said that two locomotives were trying to move the burning one. It is impossible to assess the bridge's damage until the flames are fully extinguished and announce how long repairs will take.

Ukraine Response

Ukraine did not take responsibility for the incident, but many comments addressed the bridge's damage. One Ukrainian post on social media said that the illegal construction by Russia is starting to catch fire and collapse. The reason is that when one builds something explosive, it will explode sooner or later.

FAQs

What caused the explosion and fire on the Kerch Bridge?
The exact cause of the explosion and damage is unclear.

What is the commission announced by President Putin for?
The commission has called for reports from authorities, but no other details of timing or scope were announced.