A train derailment involving the Guantánamo–Havana route took place on the outskirts of Matanzas this past Wednesday, resulting in injuries to five individuals, three of whom required hospitalization. Fortunately, health officials have confirmed that none of the injured are in life-threatening condition.
The official newspaper Girón reported on the incident, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. near the Bellamar Caves road, affecting approximately 200 meters of railway track. Gretel Robaina Rodríguez, the Deputy Director of Medical Assistance, stated that the injured are showing positive recovery signs. Two of the injured were treated on-site and did not need to be transported to a hospital.
Dr. Laudelino Fernández Medina, head of the hospital’s Emergency Service, assured that none of the five individuals face life-threatening harm. Among those injured were two train attendants, one of whom suffered a blood pressure imbalance, and a passenger who sustained minor bruises.
Matanzas’ healthcare system deployed an emergency team of about twenty medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, to handle the situation. In a subsequent update, Girón disclosed the identities of those treated at the Faustino Pérez Hospital: Lusmery Yedra Flores, an attendant from Havana, was struck by passengers falling onto her during the derailment; Noelis Walwyn, another attendant, suffered a minor blow and a rise in blood pressure; and Amnelis Rodríguez González, a passenger traveling from Camagüey to Matanzas, fell and hit her head and elbow during the incident.
All remain under medical observation to rule out more serious injuries. Another passenger, Dairys Espinosa Samora from Havana, felt unwell after disembarking but showed no visible injuries or life-threatening conditions, as emphasized by Girón.
The other 820 passengers aboard the Guantánamo-Havana train were transported by bus to the Railway Terminal, where arrangements were made with the Commerce and Gastronomy sector to provide them with snacks and basic necessities.
Ana Moreno, an attendant in car seven, recounted that the last four cars, including hers, detached from the train. "It was a scare. We heard metal screeching and felt sudden movements. Luckily, we were near the Matanzas stop," she noted, praising the passengers' discipline.
Rafael Roldán Simón, a crew member with over thirty years of experience, explained that the engineer detected an issue with the track and activated the emergency brake, following protocol and mitigating further damage. Although there were no overturns, seven cars derailed, blocking the Central line. Railway authorities estimate that restoring the line could take at least 24 hours due to the severe infrastructure damage.
The Ministry of the Interior is investigating the accident's causes, while Cuban Railways assesses the damage and plans repairs for the affected section.
Key Details About the Matanzas Train Derailment
What happened during the train derailment in Matanzas?
The train traveling from Guantánamo to Havana derailed on the outskirts of Matanzas, injuring five people. The derailment affected approximately 200 meters of the railway track.
Are the injured individuals in serious condition?
No, health officials confirmed that none of the injured individuals are in life-threatening condition. They are all recovering positively.
How many train cars were affected by the derailment?
Seven train cars derailed, but there were no overturns. The derailment blocked the Central line, and repairs are expected to take at least 24 hours.