The locomotive that started to burn near Falesti town at the end of March is no longer used, director general of the state-run company “Calea Ferata a Moldovei” (“Moldova’s Railways”) Vladimir Cebotari has told IPN. As in the case of the fire that occurred on another passenger train running on the same route, Chisinau – Ocnita, the rolling stock was worn-out
Vladimir Cebotari said the locomotive that burned on March 31 could not be repaired. The May 4 incident was a minor one and the assistance of firefighters wasn’t necessary. The fire started between two railcars and was extinguished by conductors. The damage caused is yet to be assessed.
Contacted by IPN, press officer of the Civil Protection and Emergencies Service Diana Turcan said specialists of the anti-fire experimental lab established that the March fire started at the rear of the engine as a result of a leakage of lubricants on incandescent parts.
Moldova’s Railways is to conduct a major overhaul of its diesel trains and locomotives with a view to preventing similar incidents. An order to this effect was made by Minister of Transport and Road Infrastructure Vasile Botnari on May 5.
