Firefighters had to mobilize "professional fire fighting boats" to control the fire.
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations said that a serious railway accident occurred on September 25, at a road intersection about 45km west of Smolensk city, on the railway connecting to Vitebsk (Belarus).
According to initial information, the cargo train collided with a truck, causing 6 fuel-laden carriages to derail and catch fire fiercely. Black smoke rose hundreds of meters high, engulfing the surrounding area, creating a chaotic scene.
Immediately, 10 fire trucks and a specialized fire train were dispatched to the scene to control the fire. Rescue work encountered many difficulties due to large fuel leaks and high risk of fire spreading.
There is currently no official information about the casualties. Russian authorities are investigating the cause of the collision and blocking off the area to ensure the safety of the people.
The Smolensk - Vitebsk railway line is one of the important transport axes connecting Russia and Belarus. The accident caused traffic disruption in this area, raising concerns about the risk of fire and explosion and impact on the energy - transport infrastructure system.
Images circulating on social media show huge fire poles rising from train cars, while firefighters are struggling to deal with the burning fire. The case is attracting special attention from Russian and international public opinion.
