Death Toll from Iran Freight Train Accident Continues to Rise

In Iran, officials of the Islamic Republic report that the number of those killed in the explosion of a freight train on Wednesday continues to rise, and families have begun identifying the bodies and arranging for their burials. A Red Crescent official stated on Thursday that 320 people have died and 460 have been injured in the incident. However, he noted that the death toll may increase as more bodies are discovered. Thursday has been declared a day of mourning in Khorasan province. Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the freight train's movement from the station, the derailment of several cars, and the explosion near the city of Nishapur. As a result of the train derailing and exploding, homes in the area were leveled. It is reported that firefighters have extinguished the last fire from the explosion and there is no longer a risk of further explosions. Many rescue workers and firefighters who had arrived at the scene in the early hours were killed in subsequent explosions. The local governor and the head of the regional fire department were among the deceased. Pope John Paul II, the leader of Catholics worldwide, expressed condolences to Iran for the death of over 300 people in the freight train explosion. On Thursday, the Pope also prayed for the relatives of the victims and those involved in the rescue efforts.