Fuel leak from derailed train prompts rail shutdown in Romania

A significant fuel leak caused by a train derailment has led to the suspension of rail traffic between the southern Romanian towns of Roșiori and Măldăeni on June 7. 

According to Romania’s National Railway Company CFR SA, the accident occurred when the locomotive of a freight train carrying 35 wagons of gasoline derailed while entering Măldăeni railway station. Emergency responders discovered that one of the tank wagons had been punctured, resulting in a dangerous spill of flammable liquid, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Firefighters on the scene are continuously cooling the damaged tanker to prevent ignition, especially amid high temperatures forecast for the region. 

“Given the high temperatures forecast for today, firefighters will regularly cool the damaged tank wagon,” officials from the Teleorman County Emergency Situations Inspectorate (ISU) stated.

The ongoing leak has made it unsafe to move or lift the damaged tank cars. Instead, a diesel locomotive and two empty fuel tankers are being dispatched from Giurgiu to safely transfer the remaining gasoline. Only after the transfer is complete will the railcars be cleared from the tracks.

Rail traffic on the Roșiori–Măldăeni section remains completely suspended. As a precaution, bus transfers have been arranged for passenger trains operating in the area, connecting Caracal and Roșiori Nord stations.

By Sabina Mammadli