Bomb attack partially derails train in Colombia

BOGOTA – Assailants in northern Colombia triggered a blast that derailed part of a coal freight train, the Cerrejon company said Wednesday, the second such recent strike.

The attack using explosives knocked seven of the 123 cars off the rails, as the train headed for Puerto Bolivar. From there the coal ships out mainly to Asia and Europe.

There were no injuries, and authorities were investigating who was behind the attack for which so far no group has claimed responsibility.

Just October 13, the same train on the same line was hit by an explosives attack, but without damage.

Cerrejon is one of the world’s biggest open-air pit mines. It is run by Switzerland’s Xstrata, Britain’s Anglo American and Australia’s BHP Billiton.

It produced 34.6 million tons in 2012, and this year is expected to yield 99 million tons.