The Krasnodar Territory’s Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that work on the Kerch Strait ferry crossing was temporarily halted due to adverse weather. The statement was carried by TASS. The agency noted that ferry services paused because the wind reached speeds of 15 to 20 meters per second, making operations unsafe for crews and passengers alike. Weather-conscious scheduling and safety rules led to the temporary suspension of crossings until conditions improved.
Earlier, the regional operational headquarters for the Krasnodar Territory indicated that a traffic buildup in front of the Crimean Bridge from the Kuban region had already exceeded five kilometers on Friday, December 30. This congestion reflected the rush of travelers and freight attempting to move through the corridor during peak periods, coupled with stricter checks and weather-related delays that affected flow through the region.
In related developments, officials at the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation announced an increase in the number of checkpoints on approaches to the Crimean Bridge. The decision aimed to manage the higher volume of vehicles and to enhance security checks as traffic to and from Crimea continues to grow. Officials explained that extending the inspection periods would allow for thorough screening of passengers, documents, and luggage, thereby supporting safer passage across the Kerch Strait transport corridor.
During the morning hours of October 8, the National Counter-Terrorism Committee reported a significant incident on the Crimean Bridge. A truck explosion occurred, triggering a fire that spread to seven fuel tanks of a rail adjacent train and causing two openings of the automobile section of the bridge to collapse, according to preliminary information. Initial casualty figures indicated multiple fatalities, underscoring the severity of the event and prompting a comprehensive investigation that encompasses structural integrity, security protocols, and immediate emergency response measures. Authorities stressed the importance of coordinated actions across agencies to stabilize the situation, assess any lingering risks, and safeguard the transport corridor while investigations proceed.