Gasoline train derails in Russia, sparks fire at Tambov station

A freight train carrying gasoline derailed at Kochetovka-2 station in Russia’s Tambov region on February 4 at 15:34, Russian Railways (RZD) confirmed.

The derailment triggered a fire, though preliminary reports indicate that no casualties have been reported. Train services through the station have been temporarily suspended, affecting eight southbound trains.

“RZD has set up an operational headquarters to manage the aftermath of the incident. Firefighting and recovery trains have been deployed to the scene. The causes of the derailment are currently under investigation,” the company said in a statement.

Authorities have opened a criminal case over violations of railway safety and operational regulations in connection with the derailment and subsequent fire, said the press service of the Western Main Investigative Department of Russia’s Investigative Committee. At this stage, both the presence of injuries and the extent of material damage remain undetermined.

By Vafa Guliyeva