Pakistan, June 1 -- MOSCOW - A devastating bridge collapse in Russia's Bryansk region killed at least seven people and injured 69 others after a train derailed beneath the fallen structure, officials confirmed on Sunday. The incident took place near the Ukrainian border, raising immediate questions over its cause.

The passenger train was traveling through the Vygonichsky District when a section of a road bridge suddenly gave way, sending debris crashing onto the railway tracks. Authorities say the locomotive driver is among the deceased. Russian emergency services rushed to the scene, where over 180 rescue workers worked overnight to pull victims from the wreckage.

Initially, Russia's Railways claimed the collapse was due to "illegal in...