Investigators in the Eastern Interregional Transport Research Department of the Investigative Committee of Russia have opened a criminal case over the derailment of eleven freight cars on the Trans-Baikal railway. The formal action follows the procedure outlined by the law and signals the start of a detailed inquiry into the incident. The case is being pursued under the provisions that address violations of traffic safety and the operation of railway transport that result in serious damage through negligence, as noted by the department’s press service. The confirmation of the case signals a formal step in establishing responsibility and ensuring accountability for all parties involved.
Early reports from the night of May 21 indicate that the derailment occurred on the Kuenga – Priiskovaya section. The railway workers and investigators were initially informed that eleven wagons had derailed, while later updates from the Ministry of Emergency Situations Main Directorate briefly referenced twelve wagons in some communications. The discrepancy in numbers has been acknowledged as part of the ongoing verification process and is being reconciled as the investigation progresses.
Among the derailed cars, seven were empty, and one car carried soybeans. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities or injuries as a result of the incident. However, the derailment caused tangible damage to the infrastructure, affecting 200 meters of railway track and about 1 kilometer of electrical transmission lines. The scope of the damage highlights the broader disruption to railway operations and the potential ripple effects on logistics and regional supply chains.
The investigators are actively working to determine the precise cause of the derailment. The process involves a comprehensive review of maintenance records, operating conditions at the time of the incident, and an assessment of potential mechanical faults or human factors that could have contributed to the event. Physical examinations of the track, rolling stock, and supporting systems are underway, with specialists from several fields collaborating to establish a clear sequence of events.
Past incidents in related contexts have prompted authorities to prioritize safety audits and routine inspections across the railway network. In this case, the inquiry also considers whether existing safety protocols were properly observed and whether any lapses in supervision or procedures may have played a role. The investigation aims to issue a thorough report that not only identifies the root cause but also recommends measures to prevent a recurrence and to reinforce resilience within the Trans-Baikal corridor.
In parallel with the forensic work, the railway administration is coordinating with regional emergency services to manage the immediate consequences of the derailment. Efforts focus on safeguarding active operations, restoring the damaged infrastructure, and maintaining the reliability of freight movements along this vital route. The authorities emphasize that safety remains the highest priority and that all necessary steps will be taken to protect workers and the public while the inquiry proceeds.
As the investigation unfolds, officials from the Eastern Interregional Transport Research Department and other investigative bodies will continue to monitor developments, gather evidence, and interview personnel who were on duty during the incident. The case typifies the ongoing vigilance within the railway sector to uphold safety standards and ensure accountability when incidents occur on the nation’s rail network. The outcome of the inquiry will be published in due course, with an emphasis on transparency and factual reporting that reflects the seriousness of the event and the commitment to learning from it.
Earlier records show that there were previous events where freight cars left the tracks in the Kamarchaga-Balay section without causing injuries or major damage. These instances, while less severe, are included in ongoing safety reviews as part of a broader effort to monitor and strengthen rail safety culture across the region. The current investigation will take all relevant historical data into account to form a complete understanding of the factors at play and to guide future preventative measures across the Trans-Baikal rail corridor.