Train carrying chemicals derails in Belgium, two dead

A cargo train carrying chemicals derailed near the northwestern Belgian city of Ghent, killing at least two people and injuring 14 others, a media report said.

The train, bound for Ghent-Zeehaven from the Netherlands, derailed between the towns of Schellebelle and Wetteren Saturday some 20 km east of Ghent, Xinhua reported.

Three of the carriages caught fire after six of them derailed likely due to a points failure.

The train was reportedly carrying a variety of chemicals and toxic raw materials, including at least one of the 12 carriages containing cyanide.

The accident caused a fire and then several explosions in the carriages.

Around 300 people were evacuated from their homes near the site of the accident.

Train services between Brussels and Ghent will be closed till Sunday, railway authorities said.

Firefighters said they let the blaze continue as putting it out with water would have caused dispersal of toxic materials.

Residents within 1,000 metres have been warned to shut their windows and stay indoors.