An explosion and fire erupted after a fuel-laden freight train derailed at Kochyetovka station in Michurinsk, Russia, on Tuesday (4 February), halting rail traffic and triggering a major emergency response, authorities said.

The incident occurred at 15:34 local time (12:34 GMT) when several wagons of a freight train carrying petrol and gas derailed on a siding at Kochyetovka-2 station, triggering explosions. The resulting fire eventually engulfed 11 petrol tankers and five gas tankers, according to Russian Railways (RZD) and regional officials.

Russia’s Emergencies Ministry said no civilian casualties had been confirmed, and regional authorities reported no threat to nearby residential areas or critical infrastructure.

However, media outlet Shot reported that the train driver sustained burns while attempting to extinguish the fire and was taken to hospital.

Officials have not publicly confirmed this claim.

Firefighters initially reported that five tankers were burning, but the blaze spread rapidly due to the nature of the fuel. By early evening, the fire covered around 1,000 square metres, emergency services said.

Rail and road traffic in the area was heavily disrupted. Train services through Kochyetovka station were suspended, delaying at least eight passenger trains, including services to Moscow and Saint Petersburg, RZD said.

Road access to the nearby settlements was also closed. However, later on Tuesday evening, RZD said passenger train traffic had resumed under a temporary scheme, with delayed trains routed through the station’s freight yard.

An operational centre was set up by RZD to manage the response, while environmental monitoring was introduced to prevent the spread of pollutants.

Investigation 

Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a criminal case citing violations of railway safety rules resulting in major damage. Prosecutors said the investigation was under their supervision.

While Russian authorities have not commented on the cause, Ukraine-linked Telegram channel Supernova+ claimed the derailment and fire was caused by a drone attack.

Officials have not confirmed this information.

After the blaze is fully extinguished, railway engineers said they will inspect the tracks for damage before repair work begins.

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