A man identified as Nelson was captured in the municipality of Palma Soriano, in Santiago de Cuba, after being caught with several concrete sleepers stolen from the railway line.
According to reported this Tuesday by the official profile Héroes del Moncada, the authorities found the materials in the yard of a house located in the town of Dos Ríos, where they had been hidden after the theft that occurred during the night hours.
The Revolutionary National Police (PNR) arrived at the scene to conduct a search and quickly located the sleepers, whose illegal removal caused serious structural damage to the railway.
According to the publication, Nelson will face criminal proceedings for his attempt to gain economic benefits through the illegal appropriation of state property, an action that also jeopardized the safety and integrity of the railway system.
This incident adds to a series of similar events that have occurred in recent months, highlighting a concerning vulnerability in the country’s railway infrastructure.
On May 12th, another man was arrested in Santiago de Cuba for deliberately sabotaging a railway line to extract metal components.
Weeks earlier, in Havana, a person was caught while attempting to steal rebar from a railway, an action that was also thwarted by the police.
This Tuesday, a train derailed in Camagüey, leaving 18 people injured, after several cars came off the tracks in the El Cárnico section of the Central Line.
Although the causes of the accident are still under investigation, the ongoing damage and interventions in the infrastructure exacerbate the risks to railway safety on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Theft of Sleepers and Railway Security in Cuba
Why is the theft of railway ties a concern in Cuba?
The theft of railway sleepers is concerning because it affects the stability of the railway tracks, which increases the risk of railway accidents. Sleepers are essential for maintaining the alignment and safety of the rails, and their removal can lead to deformations that compromise the safe passage of trains.
What impact does the theft of railway infrastructure have on the train system in Cuba?
The theft of railway infrastructure causes serious structural damage that not only affects the safety and operation of trains but also exacerbates the already existing technical and operational limitations of the Cuban railway system. This leads to delays, derailments, and potentially more accidents.
How is the Cuban government responding to the increase in thefts in the railway infrastructure?
The Cuban government has intensified police actions against thefts, but these measures have not completely resolved the issue. The thefts reflect a vulnerability in the infrastructure and a lack of resources for proper protection and maintenance, which exacerbates the transportation crisis on the island.
What recent incidents have occurred in the railway system due to the theft of sleepers?
Recently, a train derailed in Camagüey, leaving 18 people injured, after several cars went off the tracks in the El Cárnico section of the Central Line. While the causes of the accident are still under investigation, the ongoing damage and interventions to the infrastructure exacerbate the risks to railway safety on the island.
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