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The university train in Santa Clara derailed this Thursday, with no injuries reported and no damage to the railway infrastructure.
According to the provincial station CMHW La Reina Radial del Centro, reported on its Facebook page, the incident did not result in serious damages, but it did necessitate a temporary interruption of service.
The station cited statements from Luis García Pérez, deputy director of the Railroad in Villa Clara, who confirmed that cranes and specialized equipment are currently being mobilized in an attempt to rerail the car without causing damage to the structure.
García announced that it will not be possible to guarantee the first round of the university train this Friday, which will directly impact the students who use this service to travel to the Central University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas.
For her part, Haris Hernández, director of Transportation in the province, assured that bus services to the university will be increased to meet the demand due to the interruption of rail services.
On Tuesday, May 27, at 9:45 p.m., a derailment of Train Extra #16 occurred while covering the Holguín-Havana route, at kilometer 522.6 of the Central Line, near the commercial access El Cárnico, in Camagüey.
The accident caused a generator van to overturn and two passenger cars to leave the roadway, resulting in 18 people injured.
The authorities immediately activated emergency protocols and transferred the affected individuals to Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital.
The next day, recovery efforts continued in the affected area. The Ministry of Transportation confirmed that at that time, five track brigades and rescue teams were deployed since five in the morning, after the police investigation concluded.
Two days after the accident, it was announced that 17 of the 18 injured individuals have been discharged from the hospital. Only one patient, with a fractured kneecap, remained hospitalized and would be transferred via private means at the family's request.
Frequently Asked Questions about the derailment of the university train in Santa Clara
What happened to the university train in Santa Clara?
The university train in Santa Clara derailed without causing any injuries or significant damage. The incident necessitated a temporary suspension of service, and measures were implemented to realign the affected car.
How will the derailment of the university train affect the students?
The derailment will directly affect students who use the train to travel to the Central University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas. It has been reported that the first train service cannot be guaranteed on the Friday following the incident.
What measures are being taken to address the disruption of railway service?
Trips to the university will be reinforced with buses to meet the demand. Additionally, cranes and specialized equipment are being mobilized to reposition the derailed train car.
Is train derailment common in Cuba?
Train derailments are a recurring problem in Cuba. In 2024, there were 137 incidents reported, and although there was a 14% reduction compared to the previous year, the rail infrastructure continues to face serious challenges.
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