On Friday, shortly before noon, a serious railway accident occurred in Hustopeče nad Bečvou in the Přerov region. A freight train derailed, causing a leak of benzol—a highly flammable and toxic liquid—from a damaged tanker. As a result of the leak, a large fire broke out, engulfing five wagons.
Firefighting units immediately rushed to the scene and declared a special level of fire alarm. According to witnesses, flames reached heights of up to twenty meters, and thick black smoke was visible from a great distance.
"Several tankers and the locomotive are on fire. Firefighters from the Olomouc region, the Railway Administration, and other emergency services are on site," confirmed railway firefighter spokesperson Martin Kavka. Fire department spokesperson Lucie Balážová added that units from three regions with about 50 pieces of equipment were deployed. A chemical laboratory was called in, and the possibility of aerial firefighting was being considered.
Police have sealed off the area and are investigating the circumstances of the accident. According to initial reports, there are no injuries. Firefighters are closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to minimize risks associated with the benzol leak.
