A train carrying fuel and industrial chemicals exploded in northeastern Iran, killing about 300 people, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA ).

Firefighters trying to put out the fire when the cars exploded were among the dead, IRNA said.

At least 300 people were injured. IRNA quoted local officials as saying most of the casualties were in five nearby villages that were destroyed.

The freight train hauling sulphur, fuel oil and other industrial chemicals blew up outside the city of Neyshapur in Iran's Khorasan Province, IRNA reported.

(Agencies via China Daily February 18, 2004)