Semnan–Damghan train collision

Two trains collided on the main line in Semnan Province between Semnan and Damghan, Iran, on 25 November 2016, resulting in 49 deaths and 103 injuries.[1] There were reported difficulties with the rescue operation due to the incident's remote location 4 km from the nearest station, Haft-Khan,[2] and because only one helicopter could reach the scene immediately to join the rescue operation.[3] It was the deadliest rail disaster in Iran since the Nishapur train disaster in 2004.

Train collision in Semnan–Damghan
Location of the collision in Iran
Details
DateNovember 25, 2016
LocationDamghan
Coordinates35°38′0″N 54°2′34″E
CountryIran
CauseTrain collision after a train broke down
Statistics
Trains2
Passengers542
Deaths49
Injured103

Accident
Wreckage up close

The accident happened when an express train from Tabriz to Mashhad stopped because of technical problems associated with cold weather between Semnan and Damghan. The second express train, which was travelling from Semnan to Mashhad on the same track, was ordered to stop by the dispatcher, and the signals turned red. The shift for the dispatcher changed before the problem with the first train was resolved. At this point, the second train asked for permission to resume its journey which was then approved by the new dispatcher. The second train gained full speed, then hit the first train from behind. As a result of the collision four carriages derailed; two of them caught fire. Forty-seven passengers and crew from both trains were reported dead, and more than 100 reported injured.[4][5][6] The injured were taken to hospitals in Semnan and Damghan.[5][7][8]

Aftermath

The governor of East Azerbaijan province, where most of the victims were from, announced a day of public mourning in respect for the victims.[9] The Iranian President offered his condolences to the victims' families and asked for an investigation into the accident to find out the causes and discover where the responsibility for the accident lies.[10] Tehran to Mashhad railway line has been closed to allow an investigation.[11]

On 27 November it was announced that Managing Director of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways Mohsen Pourseyyed Aqaei resigned, offering an apology to the nation for the deadly incident.[12]

Reactions
  • Abbas Akhoundi (Iran’s Minister of Road and Urban Development) said "Since the incident occurred in a field under my management, I apologize to the bereaved families, the injured and all of the dear Azeris (people of provinces of West and East Azerbaijan)."[13]
  • In a statement, the French foreign ministry expressed its sympathy with the families of the injured and wished them a speedy recovery.[14]
  • The Turkish foreign ministry offered condolences in a statement reading "We convey our condolences to victims’ families and our friend and neighboring country, Iran, [and] wish a speedy recovery to those injured".[15]
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References
  1. "Deadly train crash in Iran prompts resignation, arrests". Al-Monitor.
  2. "Google Maps". Retrieved 2 December 2016.
  3. Eric DuVall (25 November 2016). "Train crash in rural Iran kills dozens". United Press International. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  4. "Two trains collide in north-central Iran, kill 36". PressTV. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  5. "Iran train crash in Semnan province kills at least 31". BBC News Online. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  6. "Several reported killed in Iran train collision". Al Arabiya. Al Arabiya Network. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  7. "Iran State TV: Death Toll in Train Collision Increases to 36". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  8. "Passenger trains collide in Iran, 44 killed: official". Reuters. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  9. "یک روز عزای عمومی در آذربایجان شرقی اعلام شد" [A day of mourning was announced in East Azerbaijan] (in Persian). Mehr News. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  10. Naseer Karimi (25 November 2016). "Iran: Death Toll in Train Collision Rises to 43". ABC News. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  11. "At least 44 dead, 103 injured as trains collide in Iran". Dawn News. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  12. "Tasnim News Agency - Iran's Railroad Chief Resigns over Fatal Train Crash".
  13. "Tasnim News Agency - Iranian Road Minister Apologizes for Deadly Train Crash".
  14. "French government condoles with families of Semnan train collision victims". www7.irna.ir. Iranian News Agency (IRNA). Retrieved 29 November 2016.
  15. "Turkey offers condolences to Iran after train accident". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 29 November 2016.

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