Russian passenger train derails on way to Sochi, more than 70 injured

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia – A Russian passenger train has derailed while traveling from Siberia to Sochi, the future Olympic city on the Black Sea, and emergency officials say more than 70 people were injured.

Oleg Fedyura of the Emergencies Ministry said the engine and five passenger cars derailed shortly before 5 p.m. (1300 GMT; 1 p.m. EST) Sunday as the train approached the Krylovskaya station about 110 kilometers (65 miles) south of the southern city of Rostov-on-Don. He said the rails were affected by the heat and the driver prevented further casualties by applying the emergency brakes.

The train left the Siberian city of Novosibirsk early Friday and was to arrive in Sochi on Monday morning. The popular seaside resort town is preparing to host the 2014 Winter Games.