Volgograd-Moscow train passengers await new locomotive after derailment
Passengers say they are waiting in complete comfort for the aftermath of the accident to be cleared.
Hundreds of people trying to reach the capital are stuck between cities: train No. 1 Volgograd–Moscow has ground to a halt in Michurinsk, Tambov Oblast. The multi-hour delay was caused by the derailment of fuel tank cars and a subsequent fire at Kochetovka station.
As passengers of train No. 1 Volgograd–Moscow told V1.RU, the multi-hour delay, if it affected plans, did not add as much discomfort as for passengers of another train – No. 15.
«We were planning a short family vacation, which we prefer to spend exploring the sights of our great and vast Russia, — a passenger told V1.RU. — When planning the route and connections, we decided not to fly to Moscow due to the complete impossibility of predicting another «Carpet» at Stalingrad Airport. We chose the railway. Especially since it is symbolic that Volgograd and Moscow are connected by train No. 1. We assumed we would be at Paveletsky Station in the capital by morning. But reality made its own adjustments to our plans.»
According to the passenger, notification of the delay arrived on smartphones in the middle of the night, almost simultaneously with the train stopping in Michurinsk. Since then, the family has been studying the sights of this Tambov Oblast city from the window of their comfortable compartment, waiting for the journey to resume.
«The delay has certainly altered our plans a bit, but it is not causing any inconvenience at all, — the Volgograd resident said. — The carriage is warm, and there is plenty of boiling water and drinking water. The conductors are attentive and caring. They went through the train, carefully asking whether any transfers were being missed, whether there was any insulin dependence or problems with medication, and whether there was any need for medicines or medical assistance.»
Now, according to passengers, they have been told that the train is about to continue and, after a double locomotive change, will still reach the capital.
«As railway employees told us, the section where the accident occurred was de-energized due to problems with the contact network. Therefore, the electric locomotive will be replaced with a diesel locomotive, which will pull the train for a certain distance, — the passenger said. — Then the locomotive will be changed again to an electric one, and we will be taken to Moscow.»
Meanwhile, representatives of Russian Railways (RZD) reported on the agency’s Telegram channel that after the resumption of traffic at Kochetovka station, 27 long-distance passenger trains have already been let through the barrier point, and seven trains have arrived at their destinations. Currently, the maximum train delay is 9 hours.
«During the liquidation of the consequences of the freight car derailment and fire at Kochetovka station, train passage is being carried out according to a temporary scheme through the freight yard of the station at reduced speed using diesel locomotives, — the agency reports.»
As a reminder, on the evening of February 4, a derailment of tank cars with gasoline and gas followed by a fire occurred at Kochetovka-2 station on the Tambov section of the Southeastern Railway. Six hours later, the fire was reported to be contained. About 200 railway workers, two recovery trains, four fire trains, and other specialized equipment are involved in the aftermath response. An operational headquarters under the personal leadership of Russian Railways (RZD) head Oleg Belozerov is coordinating the response.
