SAMARA. Sept 30 (Interfax) - A criminal case has been opened over damage done to a railway bridge over the Samara River in the Samara region on Saturday, Regional Antiterrorism Commission Secretary Sergei Reshetov said at a regional government meeting on Monday.
"The measures taken by law enforcement agencies suggest an unauthorized interference with the said element of transport infrastructure. A criminal case was opened under Article 281 of the Russian Criminal Code (sabotage)," Reshetov said.
The damage to elements of a one-track metal railway bridge over the Samara River was recorded at 1:35 p.m. on Saturday. The bridge is 382 meters long.
"Traffic on the bridge was suspended, and a bypass around the damaged transport infrastructure element was organized. The damage was caused by a significant impact on two reinforced concrete slabs and an unbalanced bridge deck slab. There are no casualties, and the bridge structure is intact," Reshetov said.
On September 28, the Samara authorities said that an explosion happened near a railway bridge in the Kinel area. Damage was done to safety areas, and no one was hurt. Cargo traffic was suspended.
Traffic was suspended between Samara and Kinel, on the line between the 94th and 103rd kilometers, due to unauthorized interference of unknown persons with the railway functioning. Later on, cargo trains took the main track. The incident had no effect on passenger and commuter trains.
Repairs are due to be finalized by October 3.