A major rail accident occurred in Russia’s Sverdlovsk Oblast on the night of 26 October. Near Yekaterinburg, 20 carriages of a freight train derailed, after which seven fuel tankers caught fire. The fire spread over 1,500 square metres, and train services on that section of the line were suspended. According to preliminary reports from the Russian emergency services, there were no casualties.
- On 26 October, 20 carriages of a freight train derailed in the Sverdlovsk Region of the Russian Federation.
- Following the accident, seven fuel tankers caught fire.
- The fire was contained within an area of 1,500 square metres.
- A total of 106 people and 31 pieces of equipment were deployed to deal with the aftermath.
What is known about the major railway accident in Russia
The incident occurred on 26 October at approximately 01:30 local time on the Makartsevo–Sedelnikovo section of the Reshety–Aramil railway line, near Yekaterinburg.
According to the Sverdlovsk Railway, A fire broke out after the carriages derailed, which engulfed seven fuel tankers. The damaged carriages blocked the clearance of the adjacent track, resulting in traffic on that section being brought to a complete standstill.
Local residents reported powerful explosions and bright flames. One eyewitness told the publication ASTRA, … who was woken by the explosion, after which it became as bright as day all around. Thick black smoke rose from the scene of the accident.
Russian railway officials have stated that no passenger trains operate on this section of the line. According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties as a result of the accident.
Seven tankers engulfed in flames: the aftermath of the accident
A total of 106 rescue workers and other emergency services and railway personnel, as well as 31 pieces of equipment, were deployed to tackle the large-scale fire. Fifty-eight personnel and 20 pieces of specialist equipment from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations were directly involved in the operation.
At 04:47 local time, railway staff managed to uncouple the carriages engulfed in flames. A recovery train began towing the 54 carriages that had not been affected by the fire to a safe distance.
According to the regional office of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, at 09:02 local time, the fire had been contained within an area of 1,500 square metres. Work to deal with the aftermath of the incident continued.
Following a large-scale fire involving fuel tankers, the Russian consumer protection agency, Rospotrebnadzor, organised laboratory tests to assess the quality of the air in the nearest residential area.
The circumstances surrounding the derailment have not yet been established. The Russian Transport Prosecutor’s Office and the investigating authorities have launched investigations into compliance with safety regulations governing rail transport operations.
