Fuel Train Derails and Catches Fire After Truck Collision in Russia’s Smolensk Region

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has announced that a freight train carrying fuel collided with a heavy-duty truck early near Ryzhikovo station in the Rudnyansky District on September 26 morning, resulting in a derailment and multiple tanker cars catching fire.

The incident occurred around 7:26 a.m. (GMT+3) when the truck crossed the tracks in front of the oncoming train. Despite the train operator initiating emergency braking, a collision was unavoidable, The Caspian Post informs via Russian media.

“Fire and rescue teams are currently on site at the railway crossing near Ryzhikovo station. Preliminary information confirms that several train cars caught fire following the collision,” the ministry said.

Moscow Railways confirmed that 18 tank cars loaded with gasoline derailed during the crash. Both the train driver and assistant suffered moderate injuries and were hospitalized.

Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying three fire trains and four recovery trains to the scene. Rail traffic along the Rudnya-Golynki section has been suspended while firefighting and recovery efforts continue.

Authorities are now investigating the circumstances of the crash and working to contain the fire and mitigate potential environmental damage caused by the fuel spill.