Train derails in Russia's Belgorod region after suspected track explosion

An electric train derailed in Russia’s Belgorod region while travelling on the Razumnoye–Tomarovka route, with preliminary reports pointing to damage to the railway track, according to regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

“According to preliminary data, the cause of the incident was the absence of about two meters of railway track, which could have been caused by the detonation of an explosive device,” the governor said.

The train driver applied emergency braking after the damage was detected, resulting in half of one carriage leaving the tracks. At the time of the incident, 15 people were on board.

“One woman sustained a laceration to her leg and bruising of the soft tissues of her back. An ambulance team is taking her to City Hospital No. 2 in Belgorod,” the statement added.

Emergency responders, including sappers from the Russian Defence Ministry, are working at the scene. Authorities said the circumstances of the derailment and details about those affected are still being clarified.

By Tamilla Hasanova