Investigators are assessing the initial causes behind a derailment involving train cars in the Ulyanovsk region, based on early data and reports circulating online. A Telegram channel known as Basis has shared preliminary information that is being reviewed by authorities and railway officials to determine what went wrong in the sequence leading to the incident.
Early summaries indicate that the workers at Russian Railways may have forgotten to remove a rail-mounted protective lug from beneath the wheels of one of the cars. In such a scenario, a carriage could be destabilized as soon as movement begins, increasing the likelihood of a derailment. The information, still awaiting official confirmation, is being treated as a possible factor in the derailment rather than a definitive conclusion. Authorities are carefully verifying every aspect of the operation to establish a precise chain of events.
The media outlet cited emphasizes that a sabotage scenario remains unconfirmed as of now. While some theories circulate, investigators are prioritizing factual reconstruction of the maneuvering process during the incident, including the actions taken by personnel, the state of the track, and any equipment-related anomalies that could have contributed to the derailment. The cautious stance reflects the seriousness with which such events are investigated, especially given the potential safety and operational implications for the rail network.
Earlier statements from Russian Railways suggested that there was no environmental threat following the derailment and that no lives were lost. Officials noted that there was no soil contamination, and containment measures appeared to be effective. It was reported that at 5:20 a.m. on May 30, two tanks carrying gas condensate derailed at Ulyanovsk-2 station during a routine maneuver, a detail that underscores the complexity and risk inherent in freight operations. The situation prompted immediate responses to prevent any secondary hazards and to secure the area for ongoing assessment and salvage operations.
Prior to these developments, the Investigation Committee announced that a criminal case had been opened in connection with the derailment of freight cars in the Trans-Baikal Territory. This development indicates that authorities are pursuing a formal inquiry that may involve reviewing operational procedures, maintenance records, and personnel actions related to the incident. The emergence of legal proceedings reinforces the seriousness with which rail safety incidents are treated in Russia and signals that a comprehensive, accountability-focused investigation is underway to determine responsibilities and prevent recurrence.