UPDATE - 51 people poisoned by ammonia leak after train derails in Serbia

UPDATES WITH DETAILS; CHANGES DECK; ADDS REMARKS BY TURKISH CONSUL IN SERBIA'S NIS; EDITS THROUGH

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - At least 51 people have been poisoned when a train derailed on Sunday in southeastern Serbia, releasing ammonia into the air.

The Interior Ministry said the ammonia was released from a wagon of the derailed freight train in the city of Pirot.

A lifeless body belonging to a Turkish citizen was found in the area on Monday morning.

Türkiye's Consul in Serbia's Nis, Atilla Kucuktalasli, told Anadolu Agency that the body is identified as Turkish truck driver Tarik Pehlivan.

"According to estimations, the truck driver lost his life by falling from a bridge while trying to leave his truck and move to a safe area, where the wagon tipped over," said Kucuktalasli.

He added that a family from Türkiye's capital Ankara was also treated at a local hospital in Pirot.

The cause of the truck driver's death will be released as a result of forensic autopsy procedures.

- Police warned residents to stay in their homes

Pirot Mayor Vladan Vasic declared a state of emergency and urged residents to stay in their homes, while classes were suspended for one day at all schools.

"The main recommendation is that people do not leave their homes, do not turn on air conditioners so that air from the outside does not enter and we all wait for that cloud of smoke to pass," said Vasic.

"Seven people were taken to (a hospital) in Nis," the nearest big city, he added.

He also said there was ammonia in 20 wagons and the leaking started from two wagons.

According to local media, fog and a strong ammonia smell in Pirot, which has a population of 60,000, have been affecting everyone in the city.

Meanwhile, Infrastructure Minister Goran Vesic said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.