Was carrying benzene

Derailed train in the Czech Republic went up in flames

(Bild: kamaeraone)

A derailed freight train caused a flaming inferno in the Czech Republic. The dicey cargo: The carcinogenic substance benzene.

The incident occurred on Friday. The locomotive had become detached from the wagons for as yet unexplained reasons: at least 14 of the 17 wagons were affected by the fire. The fire department was able to bring the fire under control.

(Bild: kamaeraone)

Fortunately, no contamination detected
No contamination of the surrounding waters has been detected so far. Benzene is a volatile organic compound that can cause cancer in humans. The police are investigating on suspicion of negligent endangerment.