Train carrying fuel explodes in Russia's Tambov: Footage
Illustrative photo: a massive fire and explosion occurred in Tambov following a train derailment (facebook.com/Ukrzaliznytsia)
In Tambov, a train derailment damaged fuel tank cars, causing a large-scale fire and explosion. Due to the incident, rail traffic has been completely halted, and the train driver sustained severe injuries, according to Russian media.
Read also: Railway tracks blown up in Russia's Oryol region, two officers killed
According to media reports, several train cars derailed near Michurinsk while the train was in motion. This caused fuel tanks to rupture and gasoline to spill, which was followed by a powerful explosion. Currently, five tank cars are on fire.
Witnesses described the moment of the accident as an extremely strong impact.
"The explosion was so powerful that windows in nearby houses shook. Immediately, a huge column of black smoke rose, and the sky turned fiery," local residents said.
Emergency services are on the scene, working to contain the blaze.
The train driver has been hospitalized with severe burns. The situation is complicated by the high temperatures from the burning petroleum products.
Rail traffic on this section has been temporarily blocked indefinitely.
"At present, train movement in the area is completely halted. All resources are focused on managing the aftermath and preventing the fire from spreading to nearby cars," railway representatives said.
In #Russia's Tambov, a train derailment damaged fuel tank cars, causing a large-scale fire and explosion. Due to the incident, rail traffic has been completely halted, and the train driver sustained severe injuries pic.twitter.com/WER0Wztuwv
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) February 4, 2026
Earlier, an explosion occurred on the railway tracks in Russia’s Oryol region. Two people were killed and another was injured. The incident caused delays for several long-distance trains.
The explosion took place on the Maloarkhangelsk–Glazunovka section. According to regional head Andrey Klichkov, explosives had been placed directly on the tracks.
Another railway explosion occurred near the Russian city of Nizhny Tagil. According to Russian media, the incident took place near the San-Donato station.
Several unidentified objects were found near the site of the blast, which may have caused the accident. Russian sources also reported that the explosion allegedly occurred close to a local oil depot.
