Explosion reported on Kerch bridge in Crimea. Causes unclear

There was an explosion on the Crimean (Kerch) bridge, pro-Kremlin Telegram channels and local outlet Kerch.fm report, citing eyewitnesses.

The fire started at about 6:00AM (GMT+3). The fire engulfed a freight train on the railway tracks. The pillar of the flame are rising from the Arshyntseve residential area towards the strait, Kerch.fm writes. The pro-Kremlin telegraph channel Operative Bulletins reports that local residents heard an explosion.

According to Kerch.fm, the arches of the bridge have been deactivated, while locals have been driving to the bridge so they can see the flames.

Operational Bulletins specifies that a goods train carrying flammable materials was passing over the bridge at the time of the explosion.

Traffic on the bridge has been stopped, the arches are undamaged, state-owned news agency RIA Novosti reports, citing local authorities.

Public toilet facilities have been installed near the bridge, Russia’s state news agency TASS reports, citing the local administration.