A passenger train operating between Havana and Sancti Spíritus, commonly referred to as “El Espirituano,” derailed on Wednesday morning near the town of Placetas in Villa Clara province. Fortunately, official reports confirmed that no injuries were sustained during the incident.
The derailment occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. when one of the four carriages of Train No. 32 went off the tracks, according to the Railways Directorate of Sancti Spíritus, as reported by the newspaper Escambray.
Deputy Director of the Union of Railways of Cuba in Sancti Spíritus, Mirtha García Jiménez, explained to the press that efforts are underway to resolve the derailment and restore the track for the train to continue its journey to the provincial capital.
To ensure the continuation of the journey for the 80 passengers aboard, the Ministry of Transportation arranged for buses to transport them to their destination in Sancti Spíritus, as stated by Yaima Ángel Hernández, president of the Municipal Defense Council of Placetas, to the official Cuban News Agency (ACN).
The incident took place approximately 500 meters from the Cumbre station, as reported by local authorities who visited the site to oversee passenger assistance and the ongoing investigation.
Investigation Underway to Determine Derailment Cause
The cause of the derailment is currently being investigated by the relevant authorities to determine responsibility and prevent future occurrences.
“El Espirituano” had resumed operations in July 2024 after being out of service for years. In April, the Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, acknowledged that the train's performance had been subpar, citing delays and cancellations due to track damage, mechanical failures in locomotives, and electrical supply issues at stations, among other challenges.
Train derailments, affecting both passenger and freight services, have become increasingly common in Cuba. These incidents are attributed to the severe deterioration of the railway infrastructure, insufficient maintenance of locomotives, technical issues including mechanical and electrical failures, poor traffic signaling, and human errors.
Additionally, the infrastructure has suffered from numerous acts of vandalism, exacerbating the already critical state of the nation’s railway system.
These challenges highlight the pressing need for modernization and reinforcement of Cuba's national railway network to improve safety and reliability.
Understanding the Challenges Facing Cuba's Railways
What caused the recent train derailment in Villa Clara?
The specific cause of the train derailment near Placetas in Villa Clara is under investigation, but it is part of a broader pattern of infrastructure deterioration, maintenance issues, and technical failures affecting Cuba's railways.
How are passengers being accommodated following the derailment?
Following the derailment, the Ministry of Transportation arranged for buses to transport the 80 passengers to their destination in Sancti Spíritus.
What steps are being taken to prevent future derailments?
Authorities are investigating the incident to determine responsibility and implement measures that will prevent similar incidents. There is an emphasis on the need for modernization and reinforcement of the railway network.