A man known as Nelson was apprehended in the Palma Soriano municipality of Santiago de Cuba after being caught with concrete railway sleepers taken from train tracks. According to the state-run media outlet Héroes del Moncada, authorities discovered the stolen materials hidden in the backyard of a home in Dos Ríos following a nighttime theft.
The Revolutionary National Police (PNR) conducted a search of the premises and quickly uncovered the sleepers. Their illegal removal had caused significant structural damage to the railway line. The report indicated that Nelson will face criminal charges for attempting to profit from the illegal appropriation of state property. His actions also endangered the safety and integrity of the nation's rail system.
This case highlights ongoing issues with the country's railway infrastructure, which has been increasingly targeted by theft. On May 12, another individual was detained in Santiago de Cuba for intentionally sabotaging a train line to steal metal components. Weeks earlier, in Havana, police intercepted a person trying to steal rebar from a railway track.
In a related incident, a train derailed this Tuesday in Camagüey, injuring 18 people after several cars went off the rails in the El Cárnico section of the Central Line. While the exact cause of the derailment is still under investigation, ongoing damage and interference with railway infrastructure continue to heighten safety risks on the island.
Key Issues with Cuban Railway Infrastructure
What happened in Santiago de Cuba involving railway sleepers?
Nelson was arrested for stealing concrete railway sleepers from train tracks in Santiago de Cuba, causing significant damage to the infrastructure.
Why is the theft of railway components a concern in Cuba?
The theft of railway components compromises the safety and integrity of the railways, leading to potential accidents and disruptions in service.
What recent incidents have occurred involving Cuba's railways?
Recent incidents include a train derailment in Camagüey that injured 18 people and multiple cases of theft from railway lines in Santiago de Cuba and Havana.