ISLAMABAD/ SERBIA: Some 51 people were poisoned to death after a train carrying ammonia derailed, spilling its cargo in southeastern Serbia, authorities said on Sunday.
Mayor stance on Ammonia Leak
Pirot mayor Vladan Vasic said that the ammonia leak caused 51 cases of poisoning. Vasic told a news conference that seven people were taken to the hospital in Nis, the nearest big city.
The interior ministry said that a train derailed in the evening, causing the leakage of salts and a large amount of gas dispersion into the atmosphere.
According to the AFP, a state of emergency has been declared in the affected part of the city of 60,000, and inhabitants and officials asked residents to remain inside their houses.
Authorities said that the 20-carriage train has to transport toxic materials from neighbouring Bulgaria.
The derailment has not resulted in any other casualties.
