Cuba-Petroleum Union (CUPET) announced this Sunday that its teams are working intensively to recover the oil spilled following the train accident that occurred in the Guayos area, in the province of Sancti Spíritus.
In a brief message on the social network Facebook, the company announced that workers from the Sergio Soto Refinery are working to recover part of the approximately 60,000 liters of Cuban crude stored in one of the cars of the two freight trains that had an accident on Saturday morning.
According to the digital page of the weekly Escambray, Carlos Enríquez Díaz Bernal, the deputy director of the aforementioned refinery located in Cabaiguán, specified that the extraction is intended for the tank trucks of the industry.
Meanwhile, the causes of the incident are being investigated, which involved a vehicle transporting resources from the Mariel Special Development Zone to Camagüey and another vehicle coming from the deposits in the Avila region for further fuel processing.
Despite the severe collision and significant economic losses, no human casualties were reported, according to a social media post by Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the island's Minister of Transportation.
In 2024, train accidents in Cuba have become a recurring problem, reflecting the deterioration of infrastructure and the lack of safety at railway crossings.
One of the most notable incidents was the derailment of a passenger train in Matanzas on September 28, which disrupted service on the Central Line and left hundreds of people stranded at stations such as La Coubre in Havana.
On the same day, another train derailed at kilometer 149.2 of the same line, affecting railway operations throughout the region.
Collisions between trains and vehicles have also been a part of this issue.
On July 16, a train collided with a Hyundai car in Santa Clara, Villa Clara, causing significant damage to the vehicle, although no injuries were reported.
Similarly, on February 19, another car collided with a tourism vehicle on Vento Street in Havana when the vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign, a common occurrence at intersections across the island.
These incidents highlight the need to enhance railway safety and improve signage, as well as to conduct more thorough maintenance of the tracks.
The frequency of accidents has sparked criticism from the public, which is calling for measures to reduce risks and prevent the disruption of an essential service for mobility in the largest of the Antilles.
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 violently collided under the Elevated section of Guayos, in the municipality of Cabaiguán, Sancti Spíritus province. The impact caused significant damage to both engines and resulted in an oil spill from one of the cars. No fatalities or injuries were reported.
What is the current situation of rail transport in Cuba?
In 2024, train accidents in Cuba have become a recurring issue, reflecting a notable decline in railway infrastructure and a lack of safety at rail crossings. This has led to criticism from the public and a demand for improvements in the safety and maintenance of the tracks.
What measures were taken following 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 nearby residents in the affected area. Local authorities closely monitored the control efforts and damage assessments.
What are the main causes of railway 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 have also been reported, along with acts of vandalism that impact the safe operation of trains.
Filed under: