A passenger train derailment in southern Russia has injured nearly 80 people with only 15 riders, including five children transferred to a hospital for treatment.
The 19-car train was carrying 618 passengers and was en route to the Black Sea resort of Adler when the conductor reportedly applied emergency brakes after observing that the track had deformed due to heat, causing the derailment of 11 cars, RT reported Sunday.
Citing police sources, the report added that five of the 11 derailed cars overturned during the incident, which took place in the Kuschevsky district of southern Krasnodar region.
Moreover, the incident caused no fatalities and most of the injured walked away with minor wounds, Russian Emergencies Ministry authorities are cited as stating.
No official reason has yet been announced for the derailment.
The report, however, cites witness accounts as reporting that the train was running behind schedule and appeared to be experiencing troubles with the brake system before the accident.
The witnesses further alleged that due to its brake problem the train had to make a stop for repairs.
Investigators, however, believe the application of the emergency brake may have caused the derailment, adding that there is no sign of a potential terrorist move.
Meanwhile, according to the report, the traffic on the rail line has been halted for the time being, while more than 1000 people and over 120 specialized vehicles are involved in clearing the area around the derailment site.
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Republished with permission from: Press TV