A passenger train traveling the Holguín-Havana route derailed late on Tuesday night in the province of Camagüey, resulting in 18 injuries, although none were serious, according to official reports.
The accident involved Train Extra #16 and occurred at 9:45 p.m. (local time) at kilometer 522.6 of the central line, at the point known as El Cárnico commercial access in Camagüey.
According to Camagüey Television, the incident was caused by the derailment of the locomotive, which resulted in "a overturned car and two coaches off the tracks."
Following the incident, emergency protocols were activated, and representatives from the Communist Party, the provincial government, and transport sector executives arrived at the site.
“The emergency train from Camagüey is now activated, and recovery efforts are underway to restore normal circulation as quickly as possible”, they emphasized in a strong tone from the local television station.
Statements from the Minister of Transport
The head of the Ministry of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, made an official statement through his institutional channels, where he assured that "there are no fatalities or serious injuries" resulting from the derailment.
The train, which was operating with a formation of 12 vehicles, sustained damage to the generator van and two passenger cars.
Nine of the cars were not affected and were taken to the railway station in Camagüey.
"From the Ministry of Transport, we activated a central command post with all the involved organizations to manage the necessary operations in a centralized manner," Rodríguez Dávila assured.
In addition, he detailed that the medical staff of the Ministry of Public Health attended to the affected individuals, who were transported to hospital facilities "for their evaluation and care."
"We apologize for the situation and will work to resolve it as quickly as possible," concluded Minister Rodríguez Dávila.
Medical report: no vital risks
The local media Adelante reported that the injured were admitted to the Manuel Ascunce Domenech Provincial Hospital in Camagüey.
Dr. Guillermo Brito Adán, the surgical deputy director of the center, stated that “none have serious injuries or life-threatening conditions”, and that “they are under strict observation.”
The preliminary medical report indicates that the main injuries were bruises, perforations, and a fracture of the patella.
He also indicated that in the coming hours, some patients could be discharged, depending on their clinical progress.
Attention to passengers and return operation
About 500 passengers were traveling on the derailed train. Those who were in the unaffected carriages were transported by a rescue train to the central station in Camagüey.
About 250 passengers were transported by bus.
According to Adelante, at the train terminal, medical attention has been guaranteed in case of need, along with food services and the conditions for an organized return to Havana, which will be carried out by land transportation, in coordination between the Ministry of Transport and the provincial authorities.
Ongoing investigation
An investigative commission has been established to determine the causes of the accident, in accordance with the protocols set forth by the Railway Transportation Administration.
This commission is now operational and works with the support of personnel from the Revolutionary National Police and other agencies of the Ministry of the Interior.
The incident, though without fatal consequences, highlights the weaknesses of the Cuban railway system, characterized by deteriorated infrastructure and frequent technical problems, which impact both the safety and efficiency of national passenger transport.
Frequently Asked Questions about the train derailment in Camagüey
How many injuries were caused by the train derailment in Camagüey?
The train accident in Camagüey resulted in a total of 18 injured. Fortunately, none of them sustained serious injuries or life-threatening conditions.
What caused the train derailment in Camagüey?
The incident was caused by the derailment of the locomotive, which resulted in an overturned carriage and two cars off the track. The investigative committee is working to determine the exact causes of the accident.
How were the passengers attended to following the train accident in Camagüey?
After the accident, emergency protocols were activated and the passengers were evacuated. Those in the undamaged carriages were taken to the Camagüey station, and another 250 passengers were transported by bus to Havana.
What is the current situation of the injured following the accident in Camagüey?
Of the 18 injured, 17 have already been discharged after receiving treatment at the Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital. One patient remains hospitalized due to a patellar fracture.
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