Freight train derails near Russia's border with Ukraine - governor

Attacks on infrastructure have become a tool in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

 A view shows derailed wagons following an accident involving a freight train carrying grain in the Simferopol District, Crimea, May 18, 2023. (photo credit: REUTERS)
A view shows derailed wagons following an accident involving a freight train carrying grain in the Simferopol District, Crimea, May 18, 2023.
(photo credit: REUTERS)

Fifteen cars of an empty freight train derailed in Russia's southern Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, the local governor said late on Saturday, adding there was no immediate information about the cause.

"According to preliminary information, there are no casualties," the governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said on the Telegram messaging app.

The accident happened near a train station in the Alexeyevsky municipal district and the train was empty, Gladkov said. Reuters could not independently verify the report.

Continued attacks have become conflict's new reality

Blasts and attacks on the region's infrastructure have become nearly a daily reality in recent weeks, with officials blaming either Ukrainian forces or pro-Ukrainian saboteurs.

 A view shows a derailed wagon following an accident involving a freight train carrying grain in the Simferopol District, Crimea, May 18, 2023. (credit: REUTERS)
A view shows a derailed wagon following an accident involving a freight train carrying grain in the Simferopol District, Crimea, May 18, 2023. (credit: REUTERS)

Ukraine almost never publicly claims responsibility for attacks inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine.