# U.S. media say explosions were heard at Crimean bridges #
Reports of multiple explosions on the Crimean Bridge, which connects mainland Russia to the annexed Crimean Peninsula, have sparked concern and speculation among international observers. The incident occurred in the early hours of November 17th, causing at least one span to collapse and resulting in civilian casualties.

16 July 2023
According to Russian news network Lenta, Crimean leader Sergey Aksyonov reported an explosion on the bridge via his Telegram account. Meanwhile, Ukrainian news network RBC.UA mentioned that the explosions were heard on the night of November 16th and early morning of November 17th.
There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting that the incident might be a result of an attack on the bridge, which was formally acknowledged by Ukraine last year. Some social media users have expressed their opinions, with some speculating whether Ukraine is responsible for the attack and others questioning if Russia is intentionally dragging its feet.
The Crimean Bridge has been a focal point in recent military tensions between Ukraine and Russia. In June 2019, it was partially destroyed by an explosion, which Ukrainian authorities blamed on Russia. The bridge's reconstruction was completed last year and reopened to traffic in December 2020.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the incident, Russian officials have called for an emergency meeting at the Kremlin. Local news channels also reported a car explosion on the bridge, which added to the panic among drivers who were subsequently turned away from the area.
The situation remains tense as both countries continue to accuse each other of aggression in the region. It is important for all parties involved to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolutions to avoid further escalation of the conflict.
