Strange case of 60-ton bridge in Russia mysteriously disappeared

Russian law enforcement officials are investigating the theft of a railway bridge in the western Ryazan region, which was likely sold for scrap for more than $15,000.

On July 24, local activist Svetlana Konovalova reported the mysterious disappearance of the entire bridge, estimated to weigh at least 60 tons, in the Ryazan region, about 200km southeast of Moscow.

Svetlana Konovalova said that a local railway company had privatized the bridge in the Skopinsky district and had all the necessary documents to prove ownership. However, an unidentified group of people allegedly found documents declaring the structure derelict before dismantling it.

The real owner of the bridge then asked the police to investigate the incident, Ms Konovalova added. The local police department confirmed on July 26 that they had received a complaint about “the disappearance of a metal structure belonging to a non-functioning railway bridge” more than a week ago. The local police department confirmed that a criminal investigation had been opened.

Konovalova described the missing bridge as “a huge Soviet-era structure,” saying she was surprised that no one had noticed the dismantling operation, which could take days. She also called on law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice and make them rebuild the bridge.

Meanwhile, the 60-ton bridge, or what remains of it, has turned up at a local scrap yard. The thief reportedly received 1.3 million rubles ($380 million) for the metal. The bridge is estimated to be worth 300 million rubles.

Police confirmed to TASS that the bridge was not operational, adding that the railway line was not under the jurisdiction of local authorities or other state agencies. Local residents use the bridge as a shortcut to nearby settlements.

Two remaining concrete pillars in the area where the 60-ton bridge was stolen. Photo: Baza Telegram/Russia Today

Svetlana Konovalova further revealed that the real owner of the bridge has asked the police to investigate the incident, noting that the thieves knew the legal owner and that the two parties had previously failed to carry out a purchase agreement.

In a statement, local police confirmed they had received a complaint about “the disappearance of a non-functioning railway bridge” and opened a criminal investigation. Images of the scene of the theft showed only two concrete pillars remaining at the bridge site.

According to Russia Today, the components of the 60-ton bridge appeared at a local scrap yard. The thieves received 1.3 million rubles ($15,000), while the estimated value of the bridge is up to 300 million rubles ($3.5 million).

The Mash Telegram channel reported that a local resident sold the bridge but was actually used to sign the paperwork and received less than $60.

The bridge is not in operation and the railway is not under the control of local authorities or other state bodies, TASS reported. Local residents use the bridge as a shortcut to nearby settlements.

KHANH LINH (t/h)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/ky-la-vu-cay-cau-60-tan-o-nga-bi-mat-tich-bi-an-204240728145009013.htm