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A person was killed after being hit by train number 14, which operates the route Guantánamo - La Habana.
The tragic incident occurred at 12:30 a.m., when an individual was struck by the locomotive under circumstances that are under investigation, as noted on Facebook by journalist José Yaser Centray, citing a statement from the Unión de Ferrocarriles de Cuba.
After the tragic event, the train remained stopped for several hours while the authorities conducted the necessary investigations.
The identity of the victim and the exact causes of the accident have not yet been reported.
Once the initial investigations were concluded, the train resumed its journey towards Havana.
The estimated arrival schedule at each of the stations has been reorganized as follows:
Alto Cedro: 7:40 a.m.
Cacocum: 8:26 a.m.
Las Tunas: 9:55 a.m.
Camagüey: 12:19 p.m.
Ciego de Ávila: 2:49 p.m.
Guayo: 4:32 p.m.
Santa Clara: 5:59 p.m.
Matanzas: 9:35 p.m.
Jaruco: 10:34 p.m.
Central Station (Havana): 11:45 p.m.
Until the publication of this report, no further details have been provided regarding the ongoing investigation nor has it been confirmed whether it was an accident, negligence, or a deliberate act.
Train accidents in Cuba
Recently, it was reported that in 2024, there was a 14% decrease in railway accidents in Cuba, although a total of 17 people lost their lives after being struck.
The Cuban Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, specified that last year there were 137 incidents reported compared to the 160 reported in 2023.
The 14% reduction, according to the minister, shows that the railway “remains a safe means of transport in Cuba”, despite the operational and logistical challenges faced by the national railway system.
One of the most alarming statistics is the figure of 20 pedestrian accidents during 2024, which resulted in 17 fatalities.
This is compounded by collisions at level crossings and incidents involving livestock, which continue to occur despite preventive measures.
Rodríguez also emphasized that many of the reported damages were minor incidents that were quickly resolved.
However, the minister acknowledged that the economic damages caused by the accidents exceeded 6.6 million Cuban pesos, affecting both the infrastructure and rolling stock.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the causes of accidents are due both to internal errors within the rail system and to external factors.
"Work on maintaining the railway, the discipline of railway personnel, and coordination with communities to prevent animals from entering the railway lines are urgent tasks," the official stated, who also mentioned the collision that occurred in December on the Central Line in Cabaiguán as an example of the impact of human errors in traffic management.
The minister highlighted that the levels of railway accidents remain relatively low compared to other means of transportation in Cuba, thanks to actions such as surprise inspections, staff training, and control measures.
Frequently Asked Questions about the train accident in Guantánamo and the transportation situation in Cuba
What happened in the train accident in Guantánamo?
In the early hours of Thursday, a person was struck by train number 14 in Guantánamo, resulting in their death. The circumstances of the accident are still under investigation, and the train was halted for several hours to conduct the necessary inquiries.
How does this accident affect the perception of safety in railway transportation in Cuba?
Despite a 14% reduction in railway accidents in 2024, fatal incidents like this negatively impact the public's perception of safety of the railway system in Cuba. The population demands improvements in safety and the maintenance of the tracks to prevent further tragedies.
What are the main causes of railway accidents in Cuba?
Railway accidents in Cuba are primarily due to the poor condition of the tracks, lack of proper maintenance, and signaling issues at railway crossings. These factors, along with human errors and acts of vandalism, impact the safe operation of trains.
What measures are being taken to improve railway safety in Cuba?
The Cuban government is implementing surprise inspections, staff training, and control measures to improve railway safety. Efforts are being made for track maintenance and coordination with communities to prevent accidents, although the deterioration of the infrastructure remains a significant challenge.
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