Train carrying gas containers explodes as it travels through Russia, sparking fears of terror attack

Russia ruled out terrorism today after fire engulfed a huge train carrying gas in the north of Russia. 

Some 32 wagons derailed and 14 exploded in a massive fireball at a railway station in the city of Kirov, around 500 miles north east of Moscow. Hundreds of residents were evacuated amid fears of gas poisoning.

Officials insisted later there was no risk to life and no injuries from the inferno. 

‘People are worried, because they believe that gas is what they may get poisoned from, but in fact gas condensate is a liquid and there is no danger of poisoning,’ said Kirov regional emergency ministry spokesman Aleksey Neustroyev. 

Experts have warned that attacks are more likely in other locations that Sochi which has “ring of steel” security. ‘A team of detectives and operatives are working at the incident site,’ said a spokesman. 

A total of 57 wagons on the train were cordoned off today as emergency workers fought for many hours to extinguish the flames.