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Fire at one of Budapest’s main railway stations: arson not ruled out – UPDATED: hospitalised man, VIDEO
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A fire broke out on a locomotive at Keleti railway station near Verseny Street in Budapest, spreading quickly and engulfing another locomotive on the siding. Firefighters faced considerable challenges in extinguishing the blaze. One injury was reported. Authorities have stated that arson cannot yet be ruled out.
Readers of Telex, an independent Hungarian news outlet, reported the incident and provided photographs, which are featured in their coverage. Ádám István Kiss, spokesperson for the Budapest Directorate General for Disaster Management, confirmed that while the flames spread to a second locomotive, three other nearby engines escaped damage. The affected locomotives were stationed on sidings at the time.
Authorities cannot exclude arson
Professional firefighters from Budapest, assisted by volunteers from Lőrinc-Kertváros, managed to bring the fire under control by 8 PM, though some glowing embers persisted in the locomotives. Crews completed their work by 8.30 PM.
A Telex correspondent reported that traffic at Keleti railway station was temporarily restricted due to the spread of smoke. According to Mávinform, the restrictions were lifted by 8 p.m.
I’d very much doubt arson was the cause considering the fire broke out in one of Europe’s busiest railway stations and MAV staff will challenge trainspotters for taking photos. Dousing a locomotive in petrol and setting fire to it would raise eyebrows rather higher, not to mention what motive for someone have? No, the average age of a MAV locomotive is 50 years. Half a century of use, dirt, grease, oil, brake dust and high voltage electricity combined with chronic underfunding and neglect do not for a happy cocktail make.