A passenger train collided with a car from the Russian embassy in Havana in the early hours of this Tuesday, near the Coliseum of the Sports City, in an accident that resulted in no casualties.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred when the diplomatic car allegedly attempted to cross the railway crossing, ignoring the approaching train, which ended up colliding with it and damaging part of the vehicle.
A video uploaded to Facebook by user José Luis Pérez shows the severe damage suffered by the car, a dark gray Kia Sportage, with diplomatic plates D 179119, belonging to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Cuba.
The author of the post in the group “ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES for more experience and fewer victims!” stated that no one was injured in the collision, which occurred near the “19 de Noviembre” station in Tulipán.
At the time of the recording, the car was still alongside the train, while passengers in the latter remained seated and others boarded the cars. It is unknown whether anyone else, besides the driver, was traveling in the vehicle.
According to preliminary information, the train involved in the accident is the one that runs the route between Tulipán and El Rincón.
Users pointed out in the post that at that railway crossing there is a "Yield" sign, without barriers, which requires drivers to stop, as trains are prohibited from sounding their horns due to the proximity of the 26 Clinical Hospital.
As of the time of publishing this note, the railway authorities had not commented on the matter.
In recent months, railway accidents have been reported in several provinces. At the end of March, a person was killed by train number 14, which operates on the Guantánamo-Havana route.
Just over a week ago, the Extra 16 train carrying passengers on the Holguín-Havana route derailed as it passed through the province of Las Tunas, although there were no injuries.
A collision between two freight trains that took place last December, under the Elevated Train of Guayos, in Cabaiguán, Sancti Spíritus province, caused the spillage of part of the nearly 60,000 liters of fuel transported by one of the vehicles.
Train accidents in Cuba
In 2024, railway accidents in Cuba decreased by 14% compared to the previous year.
According to the Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, there were 137 train accidents compared to the 160 reported in 2023. However, 17 people died after being run over.
The minister stated that the 14% reduction in this type of accident demonstrated that the railway “remains a safe mode of transportation in Cuba”, despite the operational and logistical challenges faced by the national railway system.
However, it was acknowledged that the economic damages caused by the accidents exceeded 6.6 million Cuban pesos, impacting both the infrastructure and rolling stock.
Rodríguez revealed that the causes of the accidents include both internal errors of the railway system and external factors.
Frequently asked questions about the train accident in Havana and road safety in Cuba
What happened in the train accident in Havana?
A passenger train collided with a Russian embassy car in Havana, near the Coliseum of the Sports City. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the car sustained significant damage. The incident occurred when the vehicle attempted to cross the tracks without noticing the train's proximity.
Why are there so many train accidents in Cuba?
Railway accidents in Cuba are due to various causes, including internal errors in the railway system and external factors. Despite a 14% reduction in 2024, operational and logistical issues in the railway system persist, such as inadequate signaling and driver negligence at railway crossings.
How do train accidents affect the Cuban economy?
Railway accidents have caused significant economic damage, exceeding 6.6 million Cuban pesos. These accidents impact both the infrastructure and the rolling stock, posing a challenge for a system that is already limited and facing financial difficulties.
What measures are being taken to prevent train accidents in Cuba?
The Minister of Transport has emphasized the importance of improving maintenance of the tracks, the discipline of railway personnel, and coordination with local communities. Surprise inspections and training for personnel are being conducted to reduce accidents, although the measures are still not sufficient to eliminate existing risks.
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