The train covering the Holguín-Havana route derailed on Sunday afternoon as it passed through the province of Las Tunas, although there were no injuries, according to official sources.
The incident occurred at 6:20 p.m. when Extra Train 16, intended for the transportation of national passengers on the specified route, "suffered a derailment of a wheel of the locomotive in Balcón, Las Tunas province, while traveling on the Central Line," published the Facebook profile Rutas Nacionales.
According to the information provided, none of the passengers sustained injuries related to the accident, and they were properly informed about what happened by the train crew.
"The visual inspection shows no damage to the structure of the cars or the locomotive," the source noted.
Ruta Nacionales detailed that the train was derailed and that the track specialists were working to restore normal circulation as quickly as possible.
As part of the established protocol for these cases, an investigative commission will be responsible for clarifying the causes of the accident.
Officials from Ferrocarriles de Cuba in the region, the Railway Transport Administration, and local government authorities, along with members of the PNR and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), went to the scene of the incident.
The source concluded by apologizing to the passengers for the inconveniences and expressing the wish to "resume the journey as soon as possible."
As of the closing of this report, Rutas Nacionales has not published any additional information regarding the incident.
The accident takes place just over two weeks after another passenger train, between Guantánamo and Havana, fatally struck a person in eastern Cuba.
In that case, official sources did not clarify whether it was an accident, an act of recklessness, or a voluntary act by the victim.
Train accidents in Cuba
A few weeks ago, the Cuban Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, specified that in 2024 there were 137 reported issues, compared to the 160 reported in 2023.
Last year a 14% reduction in railway accidents was reported in Cuba, although a total of 17 people lost their lives after being struck.
The 14% reduction, according to the minister, demonstrates that the railway “remains a safe means of transportation in Cuba”, despite the operational and logistical challenges faced by the national railway system.
However, the minister acknowledged that the economic damages caused by the accidents exceeded 6.6 million Cuban pesos, affecting both the infrastructure and the rolling stock.
Moreover, he emphasized that the causes of accidents are due to both internal errors within the railway system and external factors.
Frequently asked questions about the derailment of the Holguín-La Habana train and the railway situation in Cuba
What happened to the Holguín-Havana train?
The train covering the Holguín-Havana route derailed in the province of Las Tunas due to a problem with a wheel on the locomotive. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the train was re-railed to restore service.
What is the current situation of railway transportation in Cuba?
In 2024, train accidents in Cuba have increased due to the deterioration of infrastructure and the lack of safety at railroad crossings. Although a 14% reduction in accidents was reported compared to the previous year, they remain a significant problem.
What actions are being taken to improve railway safety in Cuba?
The Cuban government is working on maintenance actions for railways and training for railway personnel. However, criticism persists due to frequent accidents and the lack of visible results in improving safety.
What are the main causes of train accidents in Cuba?
Railway accidents in Cuba are mainly caused by the poor condition of the tracks, lack of proper maintenance of the infrastructure, signaling issues at railway crossings, and acts of vandalism.
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