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The Periódico Artemisa shared new details on Facebook about a accident that occurred on Monday involving a train and a tourist car in which four people were traveling.
The incident occurred around 2:00 PM in the municipality of San Cristóbal.
A passenger train coming from Havana and heading to Pinar del Río collided with a rental car at the intersection of Rafael Peña Street, the first railway crossing upon leaving the park towards the José Martí community.
Among the occupants of the car was a minor who was 13 years old.
According to Periódico Artemisa, everyone received immediate medical attention and is out of danger.
Two of the injured individuals sustained minor injuries. Patient Esther López Florentino, 65 years old and a resident of the municipality of Artemisa, was admitted to the Comandante Pinares Hospital with a head trauma that does not pose a life-threatening risk.
"After the necessary procedures, the train was able to continue its journey to Pinar del Río," the note specifies.
The incident has generated shock on social media and renewed criticism regarding road safety at railway crossings in Cuba.
Neighbors and social media users shared images and videos that showcase the scale of the accident.
A video shared by user Saúl Manuel captured the exact moment when the gray car crossed the tracks without stopping and was hit by the train.
The impact moved the car several meters, leaving it wrecked against a fence, in a scene that many described as a miracle for not having caused any fatalities.
Other photographs taken after the incident show the vehicle with its front completely destroyed, surrounded by onlookers and emergency teams.
Citizen Debate: Recklessness and Lack of Signage
The accident has ignited a vigorous debate on digital platforms.
Numerous users directly blamed the driver of the tourist vehicle for crossing the railway line without respecting the rules.
"One must be very irresponsible, and in broad daylight, to commit such nonsense," wrote an internet user in the group Accidents Buses & Trucks.
However, others pointed out that responsibility cannot be limited to the driver and called for urgent improvements in signage and safety at level crossings on the Island.
"It is not enough to blame the driver; it is necessary to improve road safety in these areas," commented a user, recalling that similar situations occur in different provinces with sometimes fatal consequences.
A pattern that repeats
The crash in San Cristóbal adds to a series of similar incidents in recent years.
In July 2023, a Hino truck was struck by a train in Boyeros, Havana, resulting in one death and three injuries.
In February 2024, on the Vento line, a passenger car was struck after failing to stop at a stop sign. Then, in July of that year, a Hyundai was destroyed at a railway crossing in Santa Clara, although there were no casualties.
These events reveal a pattern of recklessness and lack of adequate infrastructure at railroad crossings in Cuba.
Although this time the occupants of the car in Artemisa sustained only minor injuries, the severity of the impact shows that the risk is constant and that each new accident rekindles the state's ongoing obligation regarding road safety.
Frequently Asked Questions about the train accident in Artemisa
What happened in the train accident in Artemisa?
The accident occurred when a passenger train collided with a rental car in San Cristóbal, Artemisa. The incident took place at the intersection of Rafael Peña street, near the José Martí community. Fortunately, all the occupants of the car received minor injuries and are out of danger.
What are the causes of the train accident in Artemisa?
The accident was attributed in part to the recklessness of the driver of the car who did not stop at the railway crossing, invading the train tracks. However, the lack of proper signage at railway crossings in Cuba has also been pointed out as a contributing factor to this type of accident.
What are the criticisms of the Cuban government following the Artemisa accident?
The Cuban government has been criticized for failing to improve road safety at railway crossings. Despite repeated accidents, no significant enhancements have been made to the signage and safety of these areas, which has led to ongoing complaints from the public.
What measures have been proposed to prevent similar accidents in the future?
Citizens have proposed improving the signage and infrastructure of railway crossings to prevent future accidents. It has also been suggested to enhance road safety education and driver responsibility when approaching these crossings.
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