60-Tonne bridge in Russia stolen for scrap metal

The “gigantic Soviet-era structure”, which had been a landmark of local infrastructure, vanished from the Ryazan Region and was allegedly sold for scrap metal at a significantly reduced price. Russian officials are investigating the theft of a massive railroad in the western part of the country, which was reportedly sold for just under $15 000.

Local authorities are scrutinising surveillance footage from the area and interviewing witnesses to solve the case of the events leading up to the disappearance of the bridge. The bridge, estimated to weigh around 60 tons, disappeared from the Ryazan Region, which is located about 200 kilometres southeast of Moscow. The theft was reported on Wednesday, 24 July, by local activist Svetlana Konovalova.

Further complicating the situation, the stolen bridge was reportedly sold for scrap metal. Shockingly, the sale price was far below the bridge’s value, raising questions about the motives and the network involved in the theft. The discounted sale suggests the involvement of scrap dealers who might have participated in the scheme.

Konovalova informed local media that the bridge in Skopinsky District had been privatised by a local company, with all ownership documents completed. However, an unidentified group allegedly discovered documents claiming that the bridge had no ownership and proceeded to dismantle it.

According to Konovalova, the rightful owner of the bridge requested police intervention. Furthermore, she said that the thieves and the rightful owner were familiar with each other, having previously failed to reach an agreement on a sale.

In the meantime, the remains of the 60-ton bridge were found at a local scrap metal collection point, according to the Mash Telegram channel. The report states that the thief claimed 1.3 million Rubles ($15000) despite the bridges value of 300 million Rubles ($3.5 million)

The Telegram channel also reported that the bridge was stolen by 37-year-old local resident, who may have been at the forefront of the operation. The resident is reported to have received less than $60 for his involvement which included signing the paperwork.

In a statement released on Friday, 26 July 2024, the local police department confirmed that it had received a report more than a week ago regarding the disappearance of a metal structure from a non-functioning railway bridge. The department noted that a criminal investigation had been opened.

Photos of the scene of the theft, showing two large concrete pylons towering over a shallow river were release by a local Telegram channel. Konovalova characterised the bridges as a “gigantic Soviet-era construction” and was in shock that the dismantling operation, which most likely took several days, went unnoticed. She notified law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are brought justice and compelled to rebuild the bridge.

In the meantime, the remains of the 60-ton bridge were found at a local scrap metal collection point, according to the Mash Telegram channel. The report states that the thief claimed 1.3 million rubles ($15000) despite the bridges value of 300 million rubles ($3.5 million)

The Telegram channel also reported that the bridge was stolen by 37-year-old local resident, who may have been at the forefront of the operation. The resident is reported to have received less than $60 for his involvement which included signing the paperwork.

The loss of the bridge has significantly impacted the community and has disrupted transportation routes. Its disappearance has raised concerns about the security of other infrastructure in the region. Residents fear the potential further thefts of infrastructure and are calling for increased security measures for protecting of the remaining infrastructure.

The theft of the bridge is more than just a logistical challenge, it is a serious breach of public trust and security. As the local authorities continue to investigate the case, it highlights the need for vigilance and enhanced protection of important infrastructure. The country hopes that those responsible will be apprehended and the bridge or at least some of its components, will be recovered.

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