Four Coal Carriers Derail Near Batarnovci, Disrupting Rail Traffic and Causing Extensive Damage
A manganous incident occurred this morning as several carriages from a 24-wagon coal transport, operated by a private haulier, derailed near Batarnovci. The train was making a transit journey when the incident occurred.
The derailment, which involved four carriages, caused significant material damage, according to Radoslav Petrov, the mayor of the affected area. Speaking on the incident, Petrov stated that a large quantity of coal was spilled onto a private property near the railway track in the "Andreyana" district. The derailment also caused damage to a nearby structure.
Challenges in Handling the Aftermath
The mayor described the situation as "very complex" due to the difficult access to the area. The derailment has led to the displacement of poles, resulting in a power outage along the railway line. Additionally, several switches have been damaged.
Petrov expressed difficulties in getting a locomotive to the site to re-rail the carriages. Currently, the carriages are being offloaded using small cranes.
Estimated Timeline for Restoration
The mayor estimates that it will take at least a week to restore the affected area and resume normal railway operations.
Trains Rerouted; Buses Deployed
In the meantime, train services on the international line have been rerouted to terminate at Batarnovci station. Buses are running every hour to connect passengers to Radomir, Dupnitsa, and Kyustendil, according to the Bulgarian Transport Agency.
Petrov praised the prompt response of the Bulgarian State Railways (Bulgarian marking), who dispatched personnel to the site shortly after the incident. "Fortunately, there are no casualties, but the impact is significant," he added.
Recent Incidents in Bulgaria’s Rail Network
This is the latest in a series of incidents involving Bulgaria’s rail network in recent days. Just last night, a passenger train from Tsarevo Liva to Gabrovo derailed after its locomotive collided with a landslide onto the tracks. Although there were no reported injuries, the incident caused delays and disruptions to travel plans.
Earlier today, Bulgarian State Railways announced cancellations and delays on several passenger services due to damaged locomotives.
Sources: Bulgarian News Agency, Bulgarian State Railways
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