19/02/2004

Grieving families bury victims of Iran railway blast

Grieving families in Iran have started burying the 300 victims of yesterday's devastating railway explosion in the north-east of the country.

Around 20,000 people thronged the town of Neyshabur today as the funeral processions began. Many came to pay tribute to the region's governor who was caught up in the disaster.

The explosion occurred at around 9.45am local time yesterday morning near the north-eastern town of Neyshabur. It has been reported that five villages were destroyed in the blast, and around 350 people were treated by emergency services.

Initial reports suggested that a train engine and its carriages containing sulphur, petrol, cotton wool and fertiliser became separated at a stop. The runaway carriages then derailed and caught fire.

As fire-fighters fought to bring the blaze under control, the freight exploded killing hundreds of people.

The shockwave from the blast shattered windows in buildings more than six miles distant and was heard in the town of Mashhad – 45 miles away.

(gmcg)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

18 February 2004
200 feared dead after Iranian railway blast
As many as 200 people are feared dead today following an explosion on a railway in northern Iran. The explosion occurred at around 9.45am local time near the north-eastern town of Neyshabur. It has been reported that five villages were destroyed in the blast, and so far around 350 people have been treated by emergency services.
08 April 2011
Queen's Dublin Visit Revealed
As details of the first reigning Monarch's visit to the Irish Republic emerged yesterday, polarized division has emerged. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has welcomed the planned trip by the Queen to Dublin's Croke Park, during her landmark state visit to Ireland in May.
15 December 2010
Arctic Blast Heads For The UK
Forecasters at the Met Office are predicting bitterly cold northerly winds this week, with the risk of widespread icy conditions and heavy snow bringing the potential for travel disruption. A band of rain, sleet and snow will push south across the country tomorrow (Thursday) followed by a marked drop in temperatures.
10 May 2006
Woman killed in house explosion
A woman has been killed and five other people injured in an explosion at a house in North Tyneside. The explosion happened at the house in Grey Street around 7:35 am this morning (Wednesday, May 10). A 63-year-old man was seriously injured in the blast and is being treated for burns and smoke inhalation at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary.
24 March 2005
Inquiry into BP oil refinery explosion
A massive explosion that tore through a BP oil refinery in Texas yesterday is believed to have killed 14 people and injured more than 100. Shooting flames and billowing smoke showered the area as firefighters struggled to put out the flames. Workers searched through the rubble for survivors last night for several hours after the blast.