Intercity train disabled by enemy strike expected to be restored – Ukrainian Railways
An enemy strike on a depot servicing high-speed trains in Ukraine has, for the first time since 2012, knocked a Hyundai-made Intercity train out of operation. It is expected to be restored, said Oleh Holovaschenko, head of the Passenger Company branch of Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia).
"Indeed, in all the years of operating high-speed trains, since 2012 this is the first such significant damage. This will be a serious challenge both for us as operators and for the repair enterprise that will carry out the work," Holovaschenko said during a press briefing on Thursday.
According to him, workers who undergo regular training quickly contained the fire. Thanks to their actions, the blaze did not spread to other sections, cars, or nearby buildings.
Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Balesta explained that this was civilian infrastructure where no capital repairs were being carried out.
"This is the depot that services our Intercity trains. A direct drone strike caused such damage that it completely put this train out of service," Balesta said.
He also noted that restoration of the train would take place jointly with international partners and Ukrainian manufacturers.
Holovaschenko added that Ukrzaliznytsia will continue to operate according to schedule, using substitute rolling stock.
Railway workers also promptly restored infrastructure at the Koziatyn junction, which was damaged in a Russian strike the same night. Traffic through it has been resumed, Ukrzaliznytsia reported.
As reported, Russian forces carried out a targeted strike overnight on civilian passenger rolling stock, including the Intercity+ high-speed train fleet.