Train traffic on the affected bridge was paralyzed, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine confirms in a brief notice published on its website. The explosion has damaged the support structures of the bridge around 6 AM on March 4th, 2024.
The intelligence service of the Ukrainian defense ministry also notes that this railway line was used by russia to transport military cargo, in particular, explosive charges produced by the Polymer JSC plant in Chapayevsk, Samara Oblast.
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A russian media Baza reports the sound of an explosion heard near the blown-up bridge. The traffic was suspended, emergency services had arrived at the site. It happened less than 5 kilometers away from the plant producing explosive materials.
On a reference note from Defense Express, the Polymer plant makes various types of explosives, particularly, this is where the MON-90 directional fragmentation anti-personnel mine is manufactured. Each landmine of this type contains over 6 kg of RDX-based PVV-5A plastic explosive and over 2,000 metal balls, 7 mm in diameter. When triggered, these balls hit personnel within a 90-meter range in a set direction (sector).
Though the main specialty of the plant, as noted on its website, is producing raw explosives. Polymer JSC positions itself as manufacturer of explosives for household needs but being a part of the Rostec defense industry conglomerate, the plant also actively supplies its products to arms manufacturers across the russian federation.
One more plant in Chapayevsk which is not mentioned in the report by Ukrainian intelligence service is the Promsintez JSC. In its promo video, this enterprise boasts 40 active workshops with 1,300 personnel working at them make over 30,000 tons of explosive materials yearly.
The destruction of the bridge won't paralyze the logistics completely but will make it more difficult, especially since this bridge is only one of two crossings over the Chapayevka river. Besides, the automotive connection remains as well.
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