Passengers who fell ill from food poisoning on the extra train number 18 traveling the Manzanillo-Bayamo-Havana route have been discharged from medical care in Villa Clara. This incident highlights yet another aspect of the dire state of Cuba's railway system. According to Dr. Yandry Alfonso Chang, director of Medical Assistance and Medications in Villa Clara, all patients under observation were released at 9 a.m. on Friday following a thorough medical evaluation.
Initial investigations suggest that the cause of the incident was a food item consumed during the journey. Samples have been sent for laboratory analysis, with results expected within 24 to 72 hours, stated Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the Minister of Transport, on his Facebook page.
Meanwhile, the affected passengers were transported by bus to Havana, confirmed Juan Carlos Ferriol, the transportation delegate in Villa Clara. The Minister of Transport extended his gratitude to the healthcare staff and the residents of Jicotea in Ranchuelo municipality, who provided assistance during the emergency. He also acknowledged the media coverage and the response from authorities.
This incident underscores the ongoing vulnerability of Cuba's national transport and food services, plagued by improvisation and structural decay. Despite governmental attempts to highlight institutional responses, such episodes reveal the precariousness faced by travelers.
In a previous announcement, Rodríguez Dávila noted that upon arrival at Havana's Central Station around midnight on Thursday, passengers were transported by bus to their home municipalities with the support of provincial authorities and the Capital's Transportation Company. While units from the SIUM (Integrated Medical Emergency System) were on standby, they were not needed as no further health issues were observed among passengers or crew.
Rodríguez Dávila emphasized that "an event like this should not occur, especially at a time when decisions are being implemented to improve food services on national passenger trains." He reiterated apologies to those affected and pledged additional measures to prevent such occurrences and enhance railway services. Investigations are ongoing by specialized entities to determine the root causes.
The previous day, a diarrheal outbreak forced an emergency stop of the extra train number 18 after several passengers exhibited symptoms of food poisoning during the journey. According to official reports, health protocols were immediately activated by the Provincial Health Directorate. A total of 653 passengers were screened, with 25 transported to hospitals—20 adults and five children. The children were admitted to the José Luis Miranda Pediatric Hospital in Santa Clara, while adults were taken to the Arnaldo Milián Castro Provincial Hospital.
Key Information About the Train Food Poisoning Incident
What caused the food poisoning on the train?
The initial investigations suggest that a food item consumed during the journey was the cause of the food poisoning incident.
How were the affected passengers treated?
Affected passengers received medical treatment in Villa Clara and were later transported to Havana by bus once discharged from the hospital.
What measures are being taken to prevent future incidents?
The Transport Minister has promised additional measures to prevent such incidents and improve food services on national trains, with ongoing investigations to determine the exact cause.