Bombing of Kerch Bridge

An explosion with a truck on the Crimean Bridge partly destroyed the bridge. Three spans on the westward leading road bridge have collapsed (photo 1, 2; videos 1, 2) The explosion also caused seven cars of tanker train to catch fire. The eastward leading road bridge is intact (is this seeking for the last red line? Is this a prelude to a major Ukrainian attack in the south?)

There is little doubt, and partial confirmation by Ukrainian and Western sources that Ukraine is behind. Some Russian sources accuse British SAS of involvement, and suspect Western assistance or backing in general. Explosion was well-timed, with a fuel train stuck on the tracks right there. Nothing looked suspicious in the truck as it was briefly inspected. Believed to be Russian driver (with some Tatar roots} was probably unaware, having received an internet order to deliver fertilizers (in another report, a truckload of film). His relative owned the truck, but said it was sold and not re-registered. No connection to nationalist causes was implicated. Delivery scheme of the film claimed by Kots/KP

There was a small water wave towards/under the bridge, seconds before explosion. It is unclear whether it's relevant (waves at sea happen). Yet it's aiding alternative theories, some featuring an undersea drone (and promoted by BBC). There is quite intensive charring on top of the car bridge, which disfavors under-bridge theories; yet the blow appears to go somewhat sideways, and enveloping the structures.

The Crimean authorities have announced that they are preparing to launch a ferry across the Kerch Strait". By the evening, the bridge was reopened for train and limited car traffic.

Russian sources

 * Ukraine behind Crimean Bridge blast – US media - RT, October 9, 2022
 * Ukraine behind terrorist attack on Crimean Bridge – Putin - RT, October 9, 2022
 * Explosives were laid in rolls of film: details of the Ukrainian terrorist attack on the Crimean bridge are revealed - Alexander Kots, Komsomolskaya Pravda, October 9, 2022
 * https://southfront.org/details-of-terrorist-attack-on-crimean-bridge-revealed-nato-appears-involved/
 * "The FSB identified the organizer of the terrorist attack on the Crimean bridge" (names people involved in the shipment) - TASS, October 12, 2022
 * "The terrorist attack on the Crimean bridge forces Russia to take Odessa" - Vzgliad, October 12, 2022
 * ''...The terrorist attack against the Crimean bridge revealed a serious flaw for the security of Russia in the "grain deal"...Inspection is carried out only at the entrance and exit from the Black Sea, (...) in the Turkish Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. But the ship with explosives “turned off” much earlier. The ship, which sailed from Odessa to Ruse, moved in a coastal course along the seashore, and then entered the Danube, where it proceeded through Romanian territory to the Bulgarian port.

NATO involvement

 * EXPOSED: Before Ukraine blew up Kerch Bridge, British spies plotted it - Kit Klarenberg, The Grayzone, October 10, 2022

Repair

 * Steel Bridge News - Quick Response - Modern Steel Construction, December 2007
 * Steel bridge in Oakland, California repaired in 25 days from collapse.

Analysis

 * A nice bridge you got there… - Dmitri Orlov, Saker blog, October 10, 2022
 * Terror on Crimea Bridge forces Russia to unleash Shock’n Awe - Pepe Escobar. The Cradle, October 10 2022