Train accident in Russia: 9 wagons derail, 70 injured

MOSCOW: More than 70 people were injured when nine carriages of a train derailed in Russia’s Komi Republic on Wednesday, Russian Railways said.

While seven injured people are in serious condition, no deaths have been reported so far.

The train was travelling from Vorkuta to Novorossiysk, covering a huge distance of 5,000 kilometres. According to Russian Railways, there were 232 passengers on board at the time of the derailment.

According to official information from Russian railway authorities, the derailment of train 511 occurred at around 18:12 (local time) near the town of Inta.

“Rescue teams have been dispatched to the scene of the accident. Measures are being taken to assist the passengers,” Russian Railways said on Telegram.

“Information about the victims is currently being clarified. Traffic on the section has been suspended,” the railway authority added.

The cause of the derailment is believed to be related to heavy rainfall in the region. Russian Railways has mobilized a task force led by General Director Oleg Belozerov to investigate. Rescue operations are underway and two special trains have been dispatched to the scene of the accident, RT News reported.

In response to the incident, the Northwest Traffic Prosecutor’s Office initiated a criminal investigation.

Vladimir Uyba, head of the Komi Republic, also reportedly traveled to the site to monitor relief efforts first-hand.

(With contributions from the agency)