Train blast in Iran

An accident which causes widespread devastation and loss of innocent lives is unfortunate. That's why the burning question in cases like the one in Iran would be whether such freak accidents could have been avoided. Questions are likely to be raised about how such a volatile and deadly mix of materials could have been transported in the same convoy without adequate precautions. According to Iranian TV, the train -- which included 17 wagons of sulphur, six wagons of petrol, seven wagons of fertilisers and 10 wagons of cotton wool -- broke loose from a station and rolled about 20km. Then they derailed and caught fire followed by huge explosions. Anyone surviving such a huge flame of fire would have to be extremely lucky.

As it has been reported, some 200 firefighters were not so lucky and perished while doing their professional duties. The Iranians must not lose strength in the face of ordeals -- natural or manmade. We know that coping with two huge and deadly disasters in two months is not an easy task, but people of Iran should be able to draw strength from the Bam earthquake experience and hold on to each other to face the latest tragedy.

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