The main bridge linking Crimea to mainland Russia has been closed following the deaths of two people in what officials called an ’emergency’.

The health ministry of the Krasnodar region, at the eastern end of the Kerch Bridge, said two people had died on the structure in an accident that also injured their daughter.

News reports said people living nearby had heard explosions before dawn this morning, though this has not been confirmed.

Crimea’s governor closed the bridge early today but did not give a reason.

Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected]. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.

Russian officials said two people had died on the Kerch Bridge, an important supply route for the war.