Czechia Freight Train Fire Sparks Travel Chaos as Thick Black Smoke Fills Sky

• Feb 28, 2025

Massive Blaze Erupts After Tanker Ruptures, Causing Major Disruptions in Olomouc Region

A devastating freight train fire in Czechia has sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky, triggering widespread travel disruptions in the Olomouc region near Hustopeče nad Bečvou.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene as flames engulfed sections of the train. Witnesses shared dramatic images of the dark plume stretching miles into the sky. According to initial reports, the fire broke out after one of the tankers ruptured, leading to derailment in parts of the train.

Authorities have yet to confirm any injuries. Railway spokesman Martin Kavka stated that the fire originated from leaking benzene in the station area of Hustopeče nad Bečvou. "The fire brigade of the Railway Administration is on site. Benzene is leaking from a damaged railway tanker and is burning. Traffic on the track has been halted," Kavka reported.

Firefighters are working urgently to contain the blaze while police have cordoned off the area for safety. The railway service announced on X (formerly Twitter): “Due to the derailment of a freight train from another carrier, passenger train operations on the Hranice na Moravě - Horní Lideč line in the Hustopeče nad Bečvou - Lhotka nad Bečvou section are currently suspended. Our dispatch centre is arranging replacement bus transport. Updates for passengers will follow.”

Railway Disasters on the Rise

The Czechia incident comes amid a worrying trend of railway disasters. Last year, a tragic train derailment in northern Russia left two people dead and ten others seriously injured when a tourist train plunged into a river just south of the Arctic Circle. Among the victims was 15-year-old Arina, who was reported missing for hours before search teams scoured the icy waters.

One man’s body was discovered more than 12 hours after the crash, trapped under one of the overturned carriages. Later, another fatality was confirmed in the wreckage. A 14-year-old girl was also critically injured with a broken spine and had to be stretchered from the crash site.

The search for Arina continued for more than 15 hours, with fears she may have been swept away by the river's strong currents, according to Russian media outlet SHOT.

Authorities in Czechia continue to investigate the cause of the freight train fire, with efforts focused on extinguishing the flames and restoring operations as soon as possible.