A freight train has derailed and gone up in flames in a major but victimless incident in Czechia. Extinguishing the fire is reportedly not an easy task. It is, however, of utmost importance because there is a serious risk of environmental hazard.
The train was carrying 17 tanker wagons with benzene, a highly flammable and toxic liquid. It derailed, after which the benzene started leaking from the tanks and caught on fire, say Czech media. Out of the 17 wagons, at least five are burning, as well as the locomotive. It is causing flames of up to 20 metres high.
Each tanker was filled with approximately 60 tonnes of benzene. “The substance should be the same in all tankers, the amount will be specified, but it is approximately 60 tonnes in one tanker. However, this does not mean that all of it will burn out or leak, an intervention is currently underway”, a fire department spokeswoman told Czech media.
The line between Hranice na Moravě and Horní Lideč in the country’s east is closed. It will likely remain unavailable for traffic for weeks to come.
Major response
The fire has sparked a major response from Czech firefighters. Extinguishing the fire and preventing the benzene from entering the groundwater is of utmost importance, because the substance can cause cancer. Around 50 pieces of equipment are on the scene, a chemical laboratory has also been called up and even aerial firefighting is being arranged. Firefighters from neighbouring Slovakia are reportedly also on the way to help out.
