Burma Train Crash Leaves 25 Dead, Dozens Injured

Authorities say 25 people were killed and dozens more injured Friday when a train carrying liquid fuel crashed and burst into flames in central northwest Burma.

According to The Times of India, the train was traveling around 10 am from the central city of Mandalay to Myiktyina in the north when it derailed, overturning two petrol tankers loaded on board.

BBC reports that villagers that came to skim fuel from the overturned tankers were burned to death when the tanks suddenly burst into flames.

“While some people from nearby villages were collecting the oil, the fire spread and 25 of them were killed and 62 injured, according to initial information,” Burma’s information ministry website said.

The site added that authorities are investigating the train accident and the casualties have been rushed to hospitals in the area.

GulfNews.com points out that safety standards are generally poor in the country of Burma, which is emerging from decades of military rule under a new quasi-civilian government.

As a result, the country’s rail system has suffered from years of under-investment.