Two dead, dozens injured in Russian train derailment

At least two passengers have been killed and dozens injured in a train derailment in northern Russia, the country's rail operator said on Thursday.

The accident occurred on Wednesday evening in the Russian republic of Komi. Nine of the 14 carriages came off the rails and overturned near the town of Inta, authorities said.

Russian Railways said the bodies of two people were found at the crash site and that one person was still missing.

The Interfax news agency, citing information provided by the emergency services, said up to 50 people were injured, several of them seriously.

Around 200 passengers and 20 crew members were on board at the time of the accident.

The cause is assumed to be washed-out tracks after heavy rainfall.

Criminal proceedings have been launched for violation of railway safety regulations.