A Russian passenger train travelling from the Chechen capital to Moscow has been derailed by an explosion, according to the Interfax news agency.

Emergencies Ministry spokesman Viktor Beltsov said two carriages went off the track about 150km from Moscow, causing injury to about 10 passengers – two of whom need hospital treatment.

Earlier reports had said some passengers heard a loud bang before the derailment.

Mainly Muslim Chechnya has been devastated by conflict for more than a decade, and fighting between Russian troops and Chechens are daily events.

PHOTO CAPTION

Cars of the derailed train traveling from the Chechen capital Grozny to Moscow are seen at the site of the accident, 150 km south of Moscow, Sunday, June 12, 2005. (AP)