In the early hours of Tuesday, a passenger train collided with a vehicle from the Russian embassy in Havana, near the City Sports Coliseum. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Witnesses claimed the diplomatic car attempted to cross the railroad tracks, disregarding the oncoming train, which resulted in significant damage to the vehicle.
A video shared on Facebook by user José Luis Pérez displays the extensive damage sustained by the dark gray Kia Sportage, bearing diplomatic license plate D 179119, belonging to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Cuba. The post, shared in the group "ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES por más experiencia y menos víctimas!", confirmed that no one was injured in the crash that occurred near the "19 de Noviembre" station on Tulipán Street.
At the time the video was recorded, the car remained alongside the train, with passengers seated inside, while others were boarding the train. It is unclear if there were additional occupants in the diplomatic vehicle besides the driver.
Details of the Accident
Preliminary reports indicate that the train involved travels the route between Tulipán and El Rincón. Commenters noted that the railroad crossing features a "Yield" sign without barriers, requiring drivers to halt, as trains are prohibited from sounding horns near the nearby Hospital Clínico de 26. As of this article's publication, there has been no official statement from the railway authorities regarding the incident.
Recent Train Incidents in Cuba
In recent months, various provinces have reported train accidents. In late March, a train traveling the Guantánamo-Havana route struck and killed a pedestrian. Just over a week ago, the Extra 16 Train, transporting passengers between Holguín and Havana, derailed in Las Tunas province, fortunately without causing injuries.
Last December, a collision between two freight trains beneath the Guayos Overpass in Cabaiguán, Sancti Spíritus province, resulted in a fuel spill from one of the trains carrying approximately 60,000 liters.
Train Accidents in Cuba See Decline
In 2024, there was a 14% decrease in train accidents in Cuba compared to the previous year. Transport Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila reported 137 train accidents, down from 160 in 2023. However, 17 fatalities occurred due to train-related incidents. Despite operational and logistical challenges, the minister asserted that rail transport remains a safe mode of transportation in Cuba.
The minister acknowledged that economic damages from these accidents exceeded 6.6 million Cuban pesos, impacting both infrastructure and rolling stock. Rodríguez highlighted that the accidents stemmed from both internal railway system errors and external factors.
Understanding Train Safety in Cuba
What caused the accident involving the Russian embassy car in Havana?
The accident occurred when the diplomatic vehicle attempted to cross the railroad tracks, ignoring the approaching train, which resulted in a collision.
Have there been recent train accidents in Cuba?
Yes, several train accidents have been reported recently, including a derailment in Las Tunas and a fatal incident involving a pedestrian in Guantánamo.
How has the rate of train accidents changed in Cuba?
There was a 14% decrease in train accidents in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the Cuban Transport Ministry.