Accessibility links

Breaking News

Train Carrying Phosphorus Leaves Ukraine For Kazakhstan


Many people were sickened when a train carrying phosphorus derailed and caught fire in Ukraine (file photo) (Ukrinform) July 26, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- A special train loaded with highly toxic yellow phosphorus began its journey to Kazakhstan from western Ukraine early today, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service reports.


Ukraine's Emergencies Minister Nestor Shufrych says Moscow has granted permission for the train to pass through Russian territory.


It is being accompanied by two firefighting trains.


A train carrying yellow phosphorus derailed in Ukraine's Lviv region on July 16, sparking a fire and releasing a poisonous cloud.


The train was traveling from Kazakhstan to Poland when the accident occurred.


At least 164 people, including 34 children, were hospitalized after being sickened by the spill, which affected some 90 square kilometers.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG