Russia-Ukraine war latest: Russian divers to examine damage to blast-hit Crimea bridge

Russian divers will on Sunday inspect Kerch bridge after a powerful blast damaged the structure and killed three people yesterday. 

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin ordered for the destroyed section of the bridge to be dismantled immediately, according to reports by domestic news agencies.

Divers are due to begin examining the damage at 6am local time on Sunday, with a more detailed survey above the waterline set to be complete by the end of the day.

The explosion and partial collapse of the bridge, which connects Crimea with Russia’s mainland, has damaged an important supply artery for the Kremlin’s faltering war effort in southern Ukraine. 

“The situation is manageable – it’s unpleasant, but not fatal,” Crimea’s Russian governor, Sergei Aksyonov, told reporters. “Of course, emotions have been triggered and there is a healthy desire to seek revenge.”

Putin signed a decree late on Saturday tightening security measures for the bridge and for energy infrastructure between Crimea and Russia. 

Follow the latest updates below.