Freight train derailed near Serbian town of Pirot is still leaking ammonia. This was reported by the Serbian Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Goran Vesic. He said the situation is under control and there is no need to panic.
“We have to be careful, because the accident is not over yet and repair work is in full swing,” Vesic said.
Ammonia is a toxic substance. After the train crash, a cloud of concentrated ammonia was created, reducing visibility on a busy highway. Several cars collided.
A state of emergency was declared in Pirot. Strong smell of ammonia and toxic fumes were reported in one part of the city. More than fifty people have developed symptoms of poisoning. Fifteen of them had to go to hospital, including one child.
The mayor of Pirot has extended the state of emergency because the incident has not yet been resolved. Residents of the affected part of the city must stay indoors.
It is still unclear what caused the train to derail, but Vesic suspects it is due to the poor condition of the railway tracks. Short-term works have been planned on the route.
