Russia: At least 140 hurt in train-truck crash as train derails in level crossing collision
Kotelnikovo, Russia 29 July 2024: A train with 800 passengers derailed after crashing into a truck at a railroad crossing in southern Russia on Monday. The accident occurred near the Kotelnikovo station in the Volgograd region; at least 140 people were injured. The train got a lot of damage also. Emergency services are doing everything possible to handle this disaster.
Crash Details and Immediate Impact
Moving from Kazan in Tatarstan to Adler on the Black Sea, the train entered a collision with the truck at a speed of about 65 kilometers per hour. The strength of the collision was in such a way that eight carriages went off the rails. According to Russian Railways, the driver of the truck violated the traffic rule and went across the railway crossing at a time of the warning alarms being on.
When he saw the truck, the train driver made a last-minute emergency stop where he couldn’t help stopping the train on time before hitting the truck. The accident took place near the minor station of Kotelnikovo, some 1,200 kilometers south of Moscow in the southern Volgograd region.
Casualties and Injuries
Police said around 140 people sustained cuts and bruises due to the crash. Fifteen of these, including three children, were transferred to the nearby hospitals for further medial treatment. Their injuries were reported as moderate to serious but, according to authorities, they are all stable.
The truck driver was reportedly thrown some 15 meters from the impact and is in critical condition. The Mash Telegram channel published footage from the scene showing the heavily smashed truck cabin and the injured driver, who was visibly bloodied. Initial reports from Mash suggested two fatalities, but this information has not been confirmed by Russian officials.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
A big-scale emergency response was given to the extent of the derailment. The scene saw fire brigades and rescue crews arriving from Russian Railways and other local emergency services following an accident to aid the injured, as well as clearing the place. According to footage released by state news agency TASS, the situation was further aggravated by the fact that there were nine carriages in the train, some of which were twisted and upside-down in at least one incident.
Firefighters and rescuers focus their efforts on freeing trapped passengers, providing them with first aid. The rescue operation has proven to be difficult due to the scale of the train derailment as well as the number of carriages that have been destroyed.
Investigation and Cause
An inquiry is under way in order to ascertain the exact causes of the accident and responsibility. But, as per the initial clues, the traffic rule violation on the part of the truck driver was one of the significant reasons for the crash. The level crossing alarms were on, and the truck not heeding to these alarms was one of the important reasons.
Russian Railways have promised every cooperation with the probe and are to find out how could such a gross violation of safety rules occur. This incident underlines that this should not have happened if the traffic rules had been complied with, with equal strength underlining the need for stringent safety marks at level crossings.
Official Statements and Reactions
In the statement, the Russian Railways expressed their deep concern about the accident and conveyed words of sympathy to the injured passengers and their families. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and are working diligently to support those affected,” the statement read. It was assured that all possible resources are being mobilized for tackling the situation and rendering assistance to people for recovery.
Local authorities and rescue services have also reacted by promising to do everything in their power to end the crisis and see to the needs of the injured. The regional governor of the Volgograd region visited the scene and called for a complete investigation while appealing for assistance for the people affected by the accident.
Impact on Train Services and Future Safety Measures
The crash caused disruption to train services throughout the region as a number of lines were affected. Russian Railways are re-routing services around the crash site to minimize the effect on passengers. Following the accident, considerably tighter control may well be put in place over the safety procedures at all level crossings across the country.
The dreadful incident, therefore amplifies the view that advanced securities measures and stringent application should be followed to prevent further loss in the future. As the inquiry continues, demands for better command over regulations and infrastructural up gradation in both train and overall road traffic safety will be upheld.
Conclusion
The Kotelnikovo Station crashing of train with truck is an unfortunate incident causing huge injury and derailment of many carriages. As the emergency services are still working on controlling the situation at the scene, attention is definitely turned toward giving support to all those involved, ensuring the causes of the accident are properly investigated. This tragedy gives one an understanding of how safety measures at level crossings are important and the importance of following road rules.
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