Remote-controlled bomb causes Turkey's train blast

The train blast in eastern Turkey on Saturday was caused by a remote-controlled bomb, Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim said.

The remote-controlled bomb, planted earlier on the railway, was detonated when the train was travelling between Bingol city and Genc town en route from eastern city of Elazig to eastern town of Tatvan, Yildirim told semi-official Anatolia News Agency.

"According to preliminary reports, two cars were derailed and some security officers in these cars died," said Yildirim.

The minister strongly condemned terrorist attacks for deteriorating peace and security in Turkey.

Meanwhile, Bingol Deputy Governor Fikret Zaman said five security officers were killed and eight people wounded after the train derailed near Suveren station in the region.

There were about 45 passengers on board when the blast took place.

The injured people were taken to Bingol State Hospital by a military helicopter for treatment, said Anatolia.

Zaman noted that another train was sent to the scene of the blast for rescue operations, but was also derailed due to an armed attack.

There is no immediate casualty report on the second train.

Kurdish militants, leftist and Islamic groups are active in Turkey and have carried out bombing attacks in the past.

In November 2003, four suicide bombs hit British and Jewish targets in Turkey's largest city of Istanbul and killed more than 60 people.

Source: Xinhua