Train accident 22nd of April 2004 / Explosive material (Ryongchon-up)

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Outline of Accident April 22

Train explosion occurred at Ryongchon station in the northern province of Pyongang, North Korea. The explosion was caused by an electrical short-circuit during the track switching of wagons loaded with ammonium nitrate fertilizer and tanker wagons (April 24 Korea Central News Agency) As of April 26, the extent of damages covers a radius of 1.5~2 km, and the depth of the blast goes 15m deep. The accident destroyed approximately 8,100 houses including 1,850 houses that totally collapsed and about 30 buildings. It left about 150 dead and about 1,300 injured. The North is currently trying to determine the number of the missing (April 26 KCNA)

Global Security has another story:
Initial reports indicated that on April 22, 2004, two trains, one carrying petroleum and the other liquefied natural gas, collided near the North Korean town of Ryongchon, ten miles southeast of the Chinese border, causing a massive explosion. Additional information, both from the North Korean government and other sources indicate that the cause of the explosion was not a result of trains carrying fuel, but was instead caused by the detonation of explosives that the trains were carrying.

It took two days for the KCNA,the North Korea News Agency, to report as follows:

KCNA Report on Explosion at Ryongchon Railway Station
Pyongyang, April 24 (KCNA) -- The KCNA on April 24 released the following report as regards an explosion at Ryongchon Railway Station in North Phyongan Province, on April 22: An explosion occurred at Ryongchon Railway Station in North Phyongan Province on April 22 due to the electrical contact caused by carelessness during the shunting of wagons loaded with ammonium nitrate fertilizer and tank wagons.
The investigation conducted so far shows that the damage is very serious. It is going on.
The DPRK government is doing its utmost to recover from the damage caused by the accident as early as possible and help the living of the people in the afflicted area return to normal. It appreciates the willingness expressed by the governments of various countries and international bodies and organizations to render humanitarian assistance to the DPRK.

The accident took place hours after the passage of North Korean Leader Kim Jong Il, who was returning from a visit to Beijing. Initial casualty estimates were reported to be in the thousands, with North Korea reported to having declared a state of emergency. United Nations and Red Cross officials reported early on April 23 that at least 54 people were killed and more than 1,200 injured in the disaster, but the toll could ultimately be much higher as over a thousand buildings were completely destroyed and more buildings were seriously damaged.