Disaster struck the Lviv region on Monday when a train carrying phosphorus derailed as it approached the Polish border. Fifteen carriages overturned, six of which burst into flames.
Witnesses observed a yellow cloud amass above the scene of the accident. Officials say that the poisonous gases have contaminated an area that spans fourteen villages. Twenty people have been hospitalised as a result of the fumes, and although the government stresses that the problems are not life-threatening, police have evacuated over eight hundred people. Meanwhile, those from less badly affected areas are being urged not to drink well water, eat vegetables from their gardens or drink milk from cows in the locality.
The accident happened on Monday evening, one of the hottest days of the year so far. The goods train hailed from Kazakhstan and was bound for Poland. No clear-cut cause has been confirmed as yet for the disaster, although it has been suggested that the rail-tracks may have needed attention.
Five rescue workers were injured as a result of tackling the blaze.
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