A train transporting vats of alcohol derailed, sparking a fire near kilometer 80 of the Central Railway Line in Matanzas municipality. The incident took place on the outskirts of the Benavides community, close to Paso del Medio, when one of the tank cars overturned and three others derailed, igniting the blaze.
The remainder of the convoy, which was traveling from the central region of the country towards Santa Cruz del Norte, was separated to prevent the flames from spreading. Local authorities have reported that there have been no human casualties or injuries resulting from the accident.
Journalist Pedro Rizo Martínez confirmed via Facebook that the fire in the tankers has been brought under control. Efforts are currently underway to cool the affected cars in order to proceed with repairs on the damaged railway section.
René Peña García, Deputy Director of the Western Railways Company, stated that intensive efforts are ongoing to clear the track obstructed by the accident. Fire brigades 1 and 2 from the city of Matanzas managed to extinguish the fire, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the convoy or nearby populated areas.
Representatives from the Cuban Railways Union and the Provincial Transportation Directorate are present at the site. As of the latest update, journalist Yenli Lemus Domínguez shared on Facebook that firefighters are still working to fully extinguish the blaze, and railway personnel are focused on clearing the obstructed track.
Norma Llerena Pérez, a member of the Matanzas Provincial Party Committee Bureau, reported that directors from the Railways Directorate of Matanzas, along with other emergency teams, have arrived at the accident site to ensure safety in the area.
Key Details of the Matanzas Train Derailment
What caused the fire in Matanzas?
The fire was caused by a train derailment where one of the tank cars overturned, and three others derailed, igniting the alcohol they were carrying.
Were there any casualties in the train incident?
No casualties or injuries were reported as a result of the train derailment and fire in Matanzas.
How are authorities responding to the derailment?
Authorities, including fire brigades and railway personnel, are actively working to extinguish the fire, cool the affected cars, and clear the obstructed railway track.