The Kerch Bridge connecting the Crimean peninsula to Russia has been closed following a series of explosions early on Monday morning. The incident resulted in the death of two individuals and the injury of a child. This marks the second attack on the bridge since its completion in 2018.
The Kerch Bridge, also known as the Crimean Bridge, was constructed by Russia after the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Spanning the Kerch Strait, the 12-mile bridge comprises separate road and railway sections, connecting Crimea to mainland Russia. Its completion in 2018 was celebrated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who drove a Kamaz truck across the bridge, hailing it as a "miracle."
Reports indicate that the explosions occurred at approximately 3 am on Monday, severely damaging a section of the road bridge near pillar 145. This damage has rendered the affected section impassable for traffic. Russian officials have stated that the supporting pillars themselves remain intact, minimizing the need for extensive repairs. Tragically, a married couple lost their lives in the blast, while their 14-year-old daughter sustained injuries but is not in critical condition.
Early investigations suggest that the attack was carried out by unmanned explosive-carrying amphibious vehicles, commonly known as sea drones. These vehicles were reportedly directed towards the bridge and detonated from beneath the roadway. Russian authorities have accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attack, alleging that two Ukrainian unmanned underwater vehicles were responsible. However, Ukraine has denied involvement.
Following a similar attack in October, Russia implemented heightened security measures to protect the Kerch Bridge. This included extensive vehicle checks for explosives, bolstering anti-air defenses, deploying decoys to deter guided missile strikes, and utilizing dolphins trained to counter enemy divers. Despite these measures, the latest attack has dealt a blow to the Kremlin's prestige.
The closure of the Kerch Bridge has disrupted transportation between mainland Russia and Crimea, affecting both civilian and military supply routes. Russian tourists seeking to leave the peninsula are being redirected through newly occupied Russian territories in southeast Ukraine. Although the full extent of the damage to the roadway bridge is yet to be determined, the railway bridge, which facilitates the transportation of freight, including military vehicles and equipment, appears unaffected.