A freight train originating from the Angosta rail terminal in Mariel municipality derailed this morning in Guanajay at 7:20 AM, on a section of railway track within that municipality in the province of Artemisa.
The train was headed for Camagüey, carrying cargo containers, including units from the international shipping line CMA CGM. Images captured by Liz Daniela Rodríguez reveal several flatbed cars overturned or tilted off the tracks, near the Guanajay railway station.
"The impact of the incident on both the equipment and the railway is currently under assessment, and no human injuries have been reported," stated journalist Yarima Córdova Escobar, who communicated the news of the derailment.
The railway line where the derailment occurred connects the intermodal terminal at Angosta—located within the Mariel Special Development Zone—to Havana and the broader national rail network. This track is operated by Ferromar S.A., a company established in 2021 that handles about 70% of the freight generated by the free zone, including containers from international shipping lines.
The accident disrupts a crucial logistics route between the port of Mariel and the country's interior, with supply chain impacts yet to be assessed.
This derailment on Friday comes just nine days after a more significant derailment: the Santiago de Cuba–Havana passenger train derailed on June 3rd at kilometer 669 of the central line, near the town of Omaja in Las Tunas, with approximately 900 passengers on board and no injuries reported.
Cuba has a growing history of train accidents attributed to the deterioration of infrastructure, technical failures, and operational issues. In 2025, at least nine derailments were recorded nationwide, including one in Camagüey with 18 injuries in May, another in Matanzas with three injuries and seven cars off the track in August, as well as incidents in Las Tunas, Villa Clara, and along the Hershey line.
In October 2025, the Holguín–Havana train with 577 passengers derailed in Bartle, Las Tunas, without injuries, and in November, the Havana–Sancti Spíritus train derailed in Villa Clara, also without casualties.
Authorities are still evaluating the extent of the damage to the rolling stock and railway in Guanajay, and no official statement has been released regarding the estimated time for traffic restoration on that segment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Train Derailments in Cuba
What caused the freight train derailment in Guanajay?
The cause of the derailment is under investigation, with assessments being made of the impact on both the machinery and railway infrastructure. No injuries were reported.
How frequently do train derailments occur in Cuba?
In recent years, Cuba has experienced a rising number of train derailments, often attributed to poor infrastructure, technical issues, and operational challenges. In 2025 alone, at least nine derailments occurred across the country.
What are the consequences of the derailment for freight operations?
The derailment has disrupted a critical logistics route between the port of Mariel and the country's interior, affecting the supply chain. The full extent of the impact is still being evaluated.