Operational services named a possible cause of the train collision near Murmansk

The collision of trains in the Murmansk region, according to preliminary data, occurred due to spontaneous movement of a faulty freight train. This was reported in the operational services of "RIA Novosti" on December 19 .

"The preliminary cause of the collision is the spontaneous movement of a faulty freight train with ore from the adjoining track," the agency quoted the report as saying.

A spokesman for the emergency services added that as a result, the freight train wedged into the tail cars of a passing passenger train.

Earlier in the day it was reported about the detention by investigators of the driver of the freight train, as well as his assistant. The issue of electing a measure of restraint for the workers because of suspicion of violation of traffic safety rules is being resolved.

Thecollision of two trains occurred on December 18 at the arrival of a passengertrain at the station Knyazhaya in the Murmansk region. The passenger train, traveling on the route Murmansk - St. Petersburg, collided with a freight train. As a result of the collision, three cars of the passenger train and several freight cars derailed.

According to the latest data, the accident killed two people, 31 people were injured. The Ministry of Health specifies that 10 victims, including three children, are in serious condition.

On the fact of the accident a criminal case under Art. 263 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation was initiated.