The train bound for Central University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas (UCLV) will be unable to provide transportation for students and workers due to a derailment on a secondary track. This was announced by the Provincial Government of Villa Clara through a social media note, informing the university community that the train "will not have its usual departure this Monday, September 16, 2024."
"The situation arises from the derailment on one of the secondary tracks. Despite bringing the railway crane to get it back on track, it has not been possible to resolve the issue," the government body stated.
Following the incident, authorities have decided to reinforce transportation with buses departing from the following points: Buen Viaje at the corner of Calle la Cruz; and the train station terminal stop.
"As soon as the train service is restored, it will be announced through the media," the communication added.
The poor condition of the tracks and the lack of investment in the country's railway infrastructure are taking a toll on public transportation managed by Miguel Díaz-Canel's government. The derailment of the "university train" is the second to occur in Cuba in less than a week.
Last Thursday, a hundred meters of railway tracks in Matanzas were damaged after a freight train derailed between the Quintana and Jovellanos stations on the Central Line, fortunately without any loss of life.
The incident happened around 5:35 a.m. when locomotive 312055 of Extra Train 69 derailed and overturned three container flatcars at kilometer 151.
The train consisted of 16 cars, 14 of which were container flatcars loaded by FerroMar S.A., heading to the province of Villa Clara. A report from the General Directorate of Railways indicated that only flatcars seven, eight, and nine in the formation overturned, leaving the locomotive and the other cars unaffected.
At the end of August, in the early hours, national train No.18, covering the Manzanillo-Havana route, derailed in the municipality of Jobabo, Las Tunas.
The accident occurred at 12:05 a.m. at the Jobabo station level crossing, affecting the front part of the locomotive. Despite the potential severity of the incident, authorities confirmed that there were no injuries or significant material damage.
Aboard the train were 159 children, 72 elderly people, two pregnant women, and 18 individuals with special needs, all of whom are in good health. Preliminary reports suggest that recent rains in the region may have caused damage to the railway, potentially leading to the derailment.
Understanding Cuba's Train Derailments
In light of the recent train derailments in Cuba, here are some questions and answers to provide further context and information.
What caused the derailment of the university train?
The derailment was caused by issues on a secondary track, which have not yet been resolved despite attempts to use a railway crane.
How is the government addressing the transportation issue?
Authorities have arranged for buses to transport students and workers from specific points until the train service is restored.
What were the impacts of the recent freight train derailment in Matanzas?
The freight train derailment damaged a hundred meters of railway tracks but did not result in any casualties. Only three flatcars overturned while the rest of the train remained intact.
Were there any injuries in the recent train incidents?
No injuries were reported in either the university train derailment or the freight train incident in Matanzas. All passengers and personnel were reported to be in good health.