Serbian Engineer Warns of Monthly Derailments of Dangerous Material Trains, Cites Poor Railway Maintenance
Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A traffic engineer highlighted that freight trains carrying dangerous materials derail almost monthly.
- He stated that the state is failing to maintain the railways for freight transport.
- The engineer expressed concern about the risks posed by transporting hazardous materials through tunnels in Belgrade.
A stark warning has been issued regarding the safety of freight transport in Serbia, specifically concerning the carriage of dangerous materials. Dragomir Lukiฤ, a traffic engineer, has brought to light a deeply concerning pattern: the derailment of wagons carrying hazardous substances occurs with alarming regularity, almost every month.
Lukiฤ's assessment points to a systemic failure on the part of the state to adequately maintain the railway infrastructure essential for freight operations. This neglect creates a perilous environment, not only for those working on the railways but also for the general populace. The implication is that Serbia's commitment to safe and reliable freight transport is severely lacking, posing a significant risk to public safety and the environment.
almost every month, a wagon carrying dangerous materials derails, which is a problem for a state that does not maintain its railways for freight transport.
Of particular concern is the transport of these dangerous goods through tunnels associated with the Belgrade Urban Rail (BG Voz) system. Lukiฤ highlighted that approximately two hundred thousand people reside in areas of Belgrade that would be directly affected in the event of a spill or accident. This situation underscores the urgent need for immediate intervention and investment in railway maintenance to prevent potential catastrophes and ensure the safety of citizens.
In Belgrade, there are about two hundred thousand people living in the area where there would be problems if a spill occurred.
Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.