Collision between two freight trains causes fuel spill in Sancti Spíritus

Two freight trains collided at the Elevated area of Guayos in Cabaiguán, Sancti Spíritus, resulting in an oil spill.


A railway accident occurred on the morning of this Saturday under the Guayos Overpass, in the town of the same name, which is part of the municipality of Cabaiguán in the province of Sancti Spíritus.

The incident occurred when two freight trains collided violently. Reports from the scene indicate that one of the trains was coming from the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) and was bound for the city of Camagüey.

The other convoy had departed from Ciego de Ávila, transporting six wagons loaded with crude oil headed for the Sergio Soto refinery located in Sancti Spíritus.

Images taken by the Escambray newspaper.

As a result of the impact, considerable damage occurred to both machines, as well as to one of the tank cars transporting the fuel, leading to a spill of some of the crude oil.

The situation was promptly addressed by specialized forces, who are working diligently to contain the fuel leak and prevent an environmental disaster.

Officials from the PCC and the provincial government, along with municipal leaders from Cabaiguán, visited the site of the train accident to oversee the control efforts and assess the damages.

At the moment, no fatalities or injuries have been reported, but the material damages are considerable. Efforts are underway to restore rail traffic, which remains closed due to the collision.

Authorities have not disclosed the causes of the accident or the extent of the fuel loss. The situation remains under control. Cleanup, recovery, and analysis efforts are ongoing.

In 2024, train accidents in Cuba have become a recurring issue, reflecting the deterioration of the railway infrastructure and the lack of safety at train crossings.

One of the most notable cases was the derailment of a passenger train in Matanzas on September 28, which disrupted service on the Central Line and left hundreds of passengers stranded at stations such as La Coubre in Havana.

On the same day, another train derailed at kilometer 149.2 of the same line, impacting railway operations throughout the region.

Collisions between trains and vehicles have also been part of this issue. On July 16, a train struck a Hyundai car at a railway crossing in Santa Clara, causing significant damage to the vehicle, though no injuries were reported.

Similarly, on February 19, a train collided with a passenger car on the Vento line in Havana, where the vehicle failed to obey the stop sign, a common occurrence at the island's railway crossings.

These incidents highlight the need to improve railway safety and enhance signage at crossings, as well as to increase maintenance of the tracks.

The frequency of accidents has led to criticism from the public, which is calling for measures to reduce risks and prevent disruptions to an essential service for mobility on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions about the train accident in Sancti Spíritus and the transportation situation in Cuba.

What happened in the freight train accident in Sancti Spíritus?

The accident occurred when two freight trains collided violently under the Guayos Overpass in the municipality of Cabaiguán, in the province of Sancti Spíritus. The impact caused significant damage to both locomotives and resulted in an oil spill from one of the cars. There were no reported fatalities or injuries.

What is the current situation of railway transportation in Cuba?

In 2024, train accidents in Cuba have emerged as a recurring problem, reflecting a notable deterioration of the railway infrastructure and a lack of safety at railway crossings. This has led to criticism from the public and a demand for improvements in safety and maintenance of the tracks.

What measures were taken after the train collision in Sancti Spíritus?

The specialized forces responded quickly to contain the oil spill and prevent a larger environmental disaster. Additionally, protective measures were put in place for the residents near the affected area. Local authorities closely supervised the control efforts and damage assessment.

What are the main causes of train accidents in Cuba?

Railway accidents in Cuba are primarily related to the poor condition of the tracks and the lack of proper maintenance of the railway infrastructure. Issues with signaling at railway crossings and acts of vandalism that affect the safe operation of trains have also been reported.

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