Number of casualties in train crash in Russia's Murmansk climbs to 31

The number of people injured in the December 18 accident involving the Murmansk-St. Petersburg train has risen to 31, including five children.

According to a statement from Russian Railways via Telegram, fourteen of the injured have been hospitalized, with four in serious condition, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media sources.

The company confirmed that two people lost their lives in the incident. "According to the latest information, the accident involving train No. 11 (Murmansk-St. Petersburg) on December 18 resulted in 31 injuries, including 5 children. Fourteen people were hospitalized, four of whom are in serious condition," the message read. The company has offered free treatment and rehabilitation at its medical centres for those affected.

The collision occurred on December 18 at 4:15 PM Moscow time when a freight train carrying ore collided with the rear carriages of the Murmansk-St. Petersburg passenger train in the Kandalaksha district of the Murmansk region. The freight train, which had moved spontaneously due to a mechanical failure, derailed and struck the passenger train's tail cars, causing them to tumble off the tracks.

The crash led to the suspension of traffic along the route. Recovery teams from Kandalaksha and Kem have been dispatched to assist with the aftermath and clear the debris. The passenger train was carrying 326 people at the time of the incident.

In response, the Kandalaksha transport prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the incident to ensure passenger rights are upheld and that safety regulations for railway transport were followed.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 263 of the Russian Criminal Code, concerning the violation of traffic safety rules and the operation of railway transport.

By Tamilla Hasanova