Oil spill as Russian train derails

A freight train carrying fuel oil has come off the rails in southern Russia, spilling its cargo, ripping up tracks and dragging down power lines.

The accident took place on Wednesday and, while no figures have been released about the quantity of oil spilled, the affected area is said to cover of 1.5 square kilometres.

According to the Russian Emergency Ministry, local water supplies have not been contaminated.

Sam Bond