by Mike
The BBC is reporting that a train leaving Moscow on its way to St. Petersburg derailed as a result of an improvised explosive device being placed on the tracks. Causing the deaths of 26 people, with numerous more inured.
From the BBC.
The Nevsky Express derailed with nearly 700 on board as it ran through remote countryside between the capital Moscow and the second city, St Petersburg.
Russian investigators found “elements of an explosive device” at the scene of the attack on Friday evening, an official statement said.
“Indeed this was a terrorist attack,” said a spokesman for prosecutors.
“Criminology experts say, on the basis of preliminary information, that an improvised explosive device, equivalent to 7kg (15 lb) of TNT, had gone off,” said Alexander Bortnikov, head of Russia’s domestic intelligence service.
There was no immediate confirmed claim of responsibility for the attack, at peak travel time on a train popular with government officials and business executives.
At least three of the 14 carriages left the tracks as the train reportedly approached speeds up 200 km/h (130mph).
Russia’s prosecutor-general has opened a criminal case on terrorism charges, Russian news agencies say.
If terrorism is confirmed as the cause, observers say the derailment would represent the deadliest attack outside the volatile North Caucasus region for five years.
Update: Fox News has just reported that a second bomb exploded during clean up operations.
