The recovery efforts following the railway accident that occurred on Tuesday night in Camagüey are progressing quickly.
According to a report this Wednesday on Facebook by the Cuban Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the derailment of Extra Train 16, which was operating the Holguín-Havana route, occurred at kilometer 522.6 of the Central Line, at the commercial access El Cárnico.
The accident directly affected the generator van and two passenger cars, which sustained damage to their rolling and suspension systems.
Nine of the twelve vehicles in the formation remained intact and have already been transferred to the Camagüey station, while the locomotive was unharmed, he emphasized.
Recovery efforts began at five in the morning, once the police investigation was completed. Five road crews and rescue teams were immediately dispatched, operating with caution to avoid further damages.
In the infrastructure, three sections of track were destroyed, each with 23 sleepers, and four rails were fractured, two on the Cárnico branch and two on the Central Line.
So far, two new sections of sleepers have been installed, while a special crane is working on removing the van and the second derailed car, which are blocking the way.
It is expected that the line will be clear before the Havana-Guantánamo train passes, which was supposed to stop its journey in Santa Clara.
This train departed this morning for Majagua, in Ciego de Ávila, where its passengers and crew will have lunch while traffic is restored.
Passengers waiting at the nine remaining railway stations along the route to Havana were also transported by bus, Rodríguez indicated.
In Camagüey, where some of the crew and injured passengers remained, their return was organized using three buses and, in some cases, taxis from Taxis Cuba.
Regarding those affected, it was confirmed that 18 people were transferred to the Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital with minor injuries.
Of them, 17 have already been discharged, while one patient with a kneecap fracture will be transferred by personal means at the family's decision.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Train Derailment in Camagüey and the Situation of Rail Transport in Cuba
What happened in the train accident in Camagüey?
The derailment of Train Extra 16 occurred at kilometer 522.6 of the Central Line, affecting the generator car and two passenger cars. Nine of the twelve vehicles in the train remained intact and the locomotive was undamaged.
How many people were injured in the train accident in Camagüey?
18 people were transferred to the Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital with minor contusions. Of these, 17 have already been discharged, while one patient with a patellar fracture will be transferred by personal means at the family's request.
What recovery measures are being taken following the train derailment in Camagüey?
Five track and rescue teams were immediately deployed. Two new sections of ties have been laid and a special crane is working on the removal of the van and the second derailed car.
What is the situation of the railway system in Cuba following this accident?
The Cuban railway system is facing significant deterioration, with recurring accidents due to infrastructure issues and lack of maintenance. Despite recovery efforts, criticisms regarding the safety and efficiency of rail transport on the island continue.
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