Vladimir Putin’s prized bridge linking Russia to Crimea EXPLODES in massive inferno after Ukraine threatened strike

VLADIMIR Putin’s prized bridge linking Russia to Crimea has exploded in a massive inferno after Ukraine threatened to strike it. The Kerch bridge exploded in a fireball early on Saturday as a train passed over it. East2WestThe Kerch bridge from Russia to Crimea exploded in a fireball early on Saturday as a train passed over it[/caption] East2WestThe explosion also took out a section of a road bridge which runs parallel to the stricken rail route – collapsing it into the Black Sea[/caption] And the explosion also took out a section of a road bridge which runs parallel to the stricken rail route – collapsing it into the Black Sea. Extraordinary footage from the scene shows a train – allegedly carrying fuel – engulfed in flames. Witnesses reported hearing explosions at around 6am local time which could be heard from miles away. Both the rail and road bridges are hated symbols of Russia’s occupation of Crimea and have been key supply routes through Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. READ MORE UKRAINE STORIES PUTIN'S PROBLEMS Cornered rat Putin's at his most dangerous but even nukes can't save him RED ALERT Putin's forces shell city near huge nuclear plant as Biden warns of 'Armageddon' The railway span is part of a pair of parallel bridges, crossing the Kerch Strait linking Krasnodar in Russia and Crimea, which was built by Russia after its invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014. Some 12 miles (19km) long, the road bridge was opened by Russian president Vladimir Putin in 2018, with the railway bridge opening two years later. Russian source speculation on an underwater drone being responsible for the attack on the Crimean Bridge – long seen as a prize target by the Ukrainians.  Pro-Kremlin war reporter Andrey Rudenko said: “What kind of power did the explosion have to for a span of the bridge to go under water?  Most read in News SEX ATTACK Man, 20, raped by two strangers in alleyway, as cops make three arrests HOME INVASION Woman sexually assaulted while sleeping by man who broke into her house 'NEVER FELT SAFE' Traumatised woman, 23, who survived ISIS attack 'euthanised' in clinic 'WORST NIGHTMARE' Three people confirmed dead after devastating petrol station explosion MP SACKED Tory minister FIRED over serious misconduct claim at party conference this week MOORS MURDERS Major update on dig for Moors Murders victim Keith Bennett released by police “It is quite possible to assume that the main explosion was underwater.  “At the beginning of the year, there were reports that the West had supplied Ukraine with underwater kamikaze drones.” Read More on The Sun SMOKE SCREEN Urgent warning to anyone who smokes over heightened risk as weather changes PIECE OF CAKE I tried to make my kid a Frozen-themed cake but they look like zombies The apparent attack came the day after Vladimir Putin’s 70th birthday.  He called for immediate vengeance against Kyiv.