OREANDA-NEWS. July 1, 2009. “It was with great sorrow that I learned of the explosion of tanks of natural gas yesterday near the railway station in Viareggio and the resulting loss of life,” the message reads. “Russia mourns this tragic event together with Italy.

On behalf of the Russian people and me personally, I would like to express my sincerest solidarity and profound condolences, and ask you to convey this to the families and friends of victims.”

A freight train composed of 14 rail cars derailed near the station of the Italian town of Viareggio, causing two tanks of liquefied gas to explode. About a dozen people were killed and buildings near the railway station were destroyed.