Russian prosecutors launched a terrorism inquiry yesterday after a bomb derailed a train on the Moscow to St Petersburg route favoured by tourists, injuring 60 people.
The bomb was planted near a bridge 300 miles north of Moscow. Investigators said that many passengers could have been killed if the train, carrying 270 people, had been travelling more slowly and had toppled over the bridge into the river below.
Security services were quick to point the finger at Caucasus terrorists, although in the tense atmosphere before elections others blamed Russian nationalists trying to discredit Chechen rebels.
– The Times
Wall Street’s most eagerly awaited technology flotation since Google listed in 2004 proved to be just as spectacular as investors had hoped. Shares in VMware leaped 86% on their debut despite sharp falls elsewhere in the market.
The Californian technology company was bought by the data storage and security group EMC in 2004 for $625m. Yesterday the shares shot up to $54, valuing the business at $20bn ( GB pound 10bn).
– The Guardian
The Government faced added pressure last night over its treatment of Iraqi employees when a British company said that it considered it a moral duty to move endangered workers to safety. Erinys International became the first British company to do so, saying it was unthinkable that employees would not receive help.
The company, which provides security for the US military and construction companies, has said that it will move Iraqi workers out of the country if they are threatened by extremists.
– The Times
