LDz informed BC that part of the rails damaged in the explosion has already been repaired, but work on liquidation of the consequences of the train crash continues.
The joint-stock Ventspils nafta was the recipient of the fuel that was carried by the cargo train. The train engine belongs to LDz.
LDz Environmental Manager Maris Poikans informs that measures are being taken to avert damage to the environment.
Absorbent is being used at the scent to prevent the fuel from seeping into the ground and other necessary measures are being taken.
As reported, the accident took place at 9.50 Saturday morning when a cargo train from Jelgava (central Latvia) possibly ran a red light, thus crashing into a standing train at the "Ventspils 2" station. When the train drove into the station, it applied the brakes, but it was not enough to stop it in time.
Firefighters from all over Kurzeme Province (western Latvia) and even Riga arrived at the scene to fight the blaze.
The fire was so huge with billowing black smoke that it could be seen from about one kilometer away. It was not possible to get near the fire because authorities blocked all roads to the scene.
The blaze was brought under control at 12.31.
Two bodies were discovered in the locomotive, and police believe them to be LDz employees – the engineer and his assistant.