Investigators say maintenance failures preceded the May 2025 derailment of nine freight cars at Belogorsk station, causing losses estimated at more than 20 million roubles.
A rail maintenance foreman in Russia’s Amur region has been sent to trial over the derailment of nine freight cars at Belogorsk station. He is charged under Part 1 of Article 263 of Russia’s Criminal Code with negligently violating rail safety and operating rules and causing major damage.
The Eastern Interregional Investigative Directorate for Transport alleges that for several months in 2025 the foreman failed to ensure proper track maintenance, address identified defects or arrange repairs on the railway line at Belogorsk. Investigators say the track gauge widened beyond permitted limits as a result.
The derailment occurred on May 24, 2025. Investigators say the widened gauge led to nine cars in a freight train leaving the rails. They estimated losses to the car owners and transport company at more than 20 million roubles.
The investigative directorate said it had gathered sufficient evidence and sent the case to court for consideration on its merits. The allegations have not been adjudicated, and the court will determine the defendant’s guilt.