Train collision in Poland causes huge explosion
- 14 years ago
Two freight trains carrying oil and petrol have collided in the Polish city of Bialystok,
causing a huge explosion.
"The last tank derailed and collided with a locomotive moving in the opposite direction towards Bialystok. This caused the explosion and the fire. When we arrived at the site we found a lot of burning tanks. We immediately started to extinguish the fire in order to stop it from spreading to the nearby buildings, " said the head of the Bialystok firefighters unit, Jan Gradkowski.
More than 30 fire engines were sent to the site.
"We can say now that there is no danger of other tanks exploding. But this is a fire and there might be some unexpected developments. The situation is dramatic, but it is under control. We are getting extra staff from other provinces to fight the fire," Gradkowski said.
Two train drivers were injured in the explosion, but according to the Bialystok mayor, Tadeusz Truskolaski, the injuries were not life-threatening.
"Two injured train drivers went home after they received medical assistance," he said.
17 out of 32 tanks carrying oil and petrol caught fire, but the firefighters managed to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings.