Romanian train transporting fertilizer derails

A Romanian train transporting chemical fertilizer derailed, blocking railway lines and causing long delays in the northwest Transylvania region, officials said Monday.

Photo: Romanian train transporting fertilizer derails

The derailment occurred Sunday between the cities of Sighisoara and Brasov, said Dorel Iosifescu, director of the Brasov branch of the National Romanian Railways.

Officials worked to clear lines overnight and move rail cars that had overturned. Iosifescu said he hoped the railway would function normally later Monday.

A preliminary investigation showed that the axle of one of the wheels snapped, causing the train to derail, spilling the nonflammable fertilizer, said Stefan Rahitean, head of the Emergency Situations Department in Brasov.

"There was no danger of an explosion but the line was damaged," Rahitean said. He said one track was reopened early Monday, reports the AP.

I.L.