Moscow metro workers Valery Bashkatov and Yury Gordov arrested over deadly derailment

Two Moscow metro workers have been arrested for safety breaches after a train derailed, killing 21 people, Russian investigators have announced.

The track supervisor and his assistant are suspected of using inadequate wiring during works on the line in May, the Investigative Committee said.

They have been questioned and charges are expected to be brought soon, it said in a statement.

A power surge is said to have caused the crash, which injured 162 people.

Wednesday has been officially declared a day of mourning in Moscow.

Two Moscow metro workers have been arrested for safety breaches after a train derailed, killing 21 people (photo AP)

The two men arrested, named as track supervisor Valery Bashkatov and assistant supervisor Yury Gordov, are suspected of failing to properly monitor work carried out on a track switch mechanism in an underground tunnel.

“The switch mechanism was fixed with ordinary 3-mm wire, which snapped,” the Investigative Committee said.

The Moscow metro, one of the world’s busiest, is a vital transport artery for the city, transporting more than nine million people on weekdays below its traffic-clogged streets.

The train derailed between Slaviansky Boulevard and Park Pobedy (Victory Park) stations in the west of the city.

More than 1,100 people were evacuated.

The packed commuter train was travelling from the north-west of Moscow to the city centre at the time of the crash.

The tunnel where crash happened was built about 10 years ago.

Critics accuse the authorities of spending too much on extending the metro system, and not enough on maintenance.

Park Pobedy is the deepest metro station in Moscow, 84m (275ft) underground, which made the rescue operation particularly hard.

No foreigners were among the injured, the Interfax news agency said.

Militant attacks on Russia’s railways and transport networks have killed dozens of people in the past, but the emergencies ministry said there was no suspicion of such a cause in this case.

Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.

Recent Posts

UCLA Protests: Police Clash with Protesters as Officers Clear Pro-Palestinian Encampment

President Joe Biden has urged pro-Palestinian protesters on university campuses to uphold the rule of…

7 hours ago

Mufasa: Blue Ivy Carter Joins Voice Cast of The Lion King Prequel

Blue Ivy Carter has joined the voice cast of The Lion King prequel Mufasa: The…

7 hours ago

Deadly Tornadoes Hit Oklahoma Leaving Thousands Without Power and Causing Serious Damage

At least five people, including a four-month-old baby, have been killed after dozens of tornadoes…

3 days ago

Harvey Weinstein in Hospital After Conviction Overturned

Harvey Weinstein has been hospitalized just days after his 2020 rape conviction in New York…

5 days ago

Hamas Releases Video of Two Hostages, Including a Kidnapped US Citizen

Hamas has published a video showing the first proof of life of US and Israeli…

5 days ago

Trump Trial: Prosecutors and Attorneys Deliver Opening Statements

Prosecutors and Donald Trump’s attorneys delivered opening statements and the first witness was called on…

1 week ago