Russian investigators have confirmed that the derailment of a passenger train which killed dozens of people was caused by a “terrorist attack”
The train was carrying over 630 passengers and 20 railway personnel.
A one-yard hole was found next to the track.
The AP reported: A train traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg derailed late Friday, killing at least 39 people and injuring many more, emergency officials said. The railway company said the derailment could have been the result of sabotage.
Passengers said they heard a loud bang before the derailment.
Witnesses told Channel One state television a bomb blast may have been the cause — which, if true, would make it Russia’s deadliest terrorist strike outside the volatile North Caucasus region in years.
“It was immensely scary. I think it was an act of terrorism because there was a bang,” said passenger Vitaly Rafikov. He was unhurt in the accident and helped with the rescue, hauling victims from the wreckage and lighting fires for warmth.
Reports on the death toll varied.
Health Minister Tatyana Golikova said at least 26 people were killed, 18 were missing and nearly 100 were injured and hospitalized in the derailment. The Prosecutor General’s office said the death toll had risen to 30, with 60 others in the hospital.
The BBC reported that the explosion was eerily similar to an attack in 2007.
The name of the train and the time of the incident would strike a chilling chord with those in Russia who remember an actual bomb attack on 13 August 2007.
That evening, at about 2130 local time, a device laid on the rails in Novgorod region blew up the Neva Express, travelling from Moscow to Russia’s second city, St Petersburg.
The explosion derailed the train and some 30 people were injured.
Now, at 2137 local time on 27 November, something happened to derail the Neva Express yet again, this time with major loss of life.
