A devastating blast ripped through Crimea’s Kerch Strait Bridge, sending charred debris and stunned drivers plummeting into the sea 150 feet below.
The destructive explosion, which killed three people and injured at least 10 others, has been called a “terror attack” by Russian officials.
The bridge was only completed last year and spans nearly 12 miles, making it the longest in Europe.
It links Russia to the contested peninsula of Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014. Since then, the region has been embroiled in a proxy war between Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed separatists.\
Details of the Attack
According to investigators, the initial explosion occurred around 3:30 am local time when a lorry carrying gas cylinders blew up as it crossed the bridge. The detonation caused several cars to go up in flames and set fire to a nearby fuel tanker.
However, witnesses say that as people got out of their vehicles to assess the damage, a second explosion went off. This blast appears to have come from inside the lorry itself and caused an entire section of the bridge to collapse. Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the second explosion.
One man who was driving across the bridge when it collapsed told Russian news outlets that he saw a “column of smoke” coming from the lorry just before it exploded.
“I stopped…and got out of my car,” he said.
“I wanted to help but then there was another explosion and everything around began to catch fire.”
At least three people were killed in the blast and 10 others were injured, according to Crimean authorities.
All of the victims were inside vehicles that fell into the sea when the bridge collapsed.
Flame and smoke rise from the Crimean Bridge
A video published by Russia’s foreign ministry shows traffic crossing the damaged bridge on Saturday evening as repair work gets underway.
It is unclear when the bridge will be fully operational again.
The Investigation Begins
Russian officials have opened a criminal case into what they are calling a “terror attack.” However, they have released few details about who they believe is responsible for planting the explosives or what their motives might be.
Security camera footage from around the time of the blast shows a man parking his car near where the explosions occurred and then walking away from the scene shortly before they went off. It is unclear if this man is connected to the attack in any way.
Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.
A new report has raised concerns about potential power shortages this summer in several Australian states. With temperatures expected to soar, experts warn that the electricity grid could be under significant strain.
The report, released by the Energy Authority of Australia, highlights that New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia are at the greatest risk of experiencing blackouts. Increased demand for electricity due to air conditioning use during hot summer days is the primary driver of this concern.
The report suggests that immediate measures should be taken to mitigate these risks. These measures include improving grid infrastructure, investing in renewable energy sources, and implementing demand-side management programs to reduce peak electricity consumption.
Energy Minister Sarah Thompson acknowledged the challenges but assured the public that the government is actively working on solutions to prevent power shortages. She stated, “We are committed to ensuring a stable and reliable power supply during the summer months.”
As the summer approaches, Australians will be closely monitoring the situation, hoping that the necessary steps will be taken to ensure a steady power supply during the hottest days. #featured
New details about the relationship between the failed FTX boss and politicians and business leaders has been laid bare.
It’s been revealed that Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO of FTX crypto exchange, explored the idea of offering former President Donald Trump a substantial sum of money to dissuade him from running for president again.
The proposition is detailed in an upcoming book that promises to shed light on behind-the-scenes dealings and unconventional political strategies.
#featured
Enhancing National Preparedness: The Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test
On October 4, the United States is set to conduct a crucial nationwide emergency alert system test, a vital evaluation of the nation’s ability to disseminate critical information effectively during emergencies.
This upcoming test is a significant event, not just as a routine check but also in response to notable past incidents that underscore the imperative of a robust emergency alert system. One such incident took place on January 13, 2018, in the state of Hawaii, when an accidental alert was issued via the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert System.
This alert, transmitted across various media platforms including television, radio, and cellphones, advised citizens to seek shelter due to an incoming ballistic missile, concluding with the chilling declaration: “This is not a drill.”
The subsequent 38 minutes and 13 seconds were filled with panic and uncertainty, until state officials clarified that the alert had resulted from a miscommunication during a routine drill at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. The incident prompted a public apology from David Ige, the governor of Hawaii, acknowledging the distress it had caused.
Additionally, it triggered investigations by the Federal Communications Commission and the Hawaii House of Representatives, ultimately leading to the resignation of the state’s emergency management administrator. This incident served as a stark reminder of the critical importance of a well-functioning, error-free emergency alert system.
Fast forward to the present, the nation is preparing for the upcoming nationwide emergency alert system test scheduled for October 4. At the designated time, a loud alert tone will resonate across all devices, followed by a test message that clearly identifies its nature as a simulation meant to evaluate the readiness and functionality of the emergency alert infrastructure. This exercise aims to assure citizens that the emergency alert system is well-prepared and efficient in conveying vital information during a crisis.
Citizens are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to this test, acquaint themselves with the alert sound and message, and comprehend its profound significance in the broader context of preparedness for potential emergencies in the future. The October 4 nationwide emergency alert system test represents a commitment to learning from past incidents and continuously improving preparedness measures to protect citizens and ensure a resilient society. It highlights the nation’s dedication to enhancing its communication systems, thereby reinforcing the safety and security of its populace.