The derailment of a passenger train on Friday afternoon in Matanzas has paralyzed travel for many as the Central Line has been disrupted. The incident took place at kilometer 149.2, between the stations of Jovellanos and Quintana.
According to Transport Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the accident has caused significant delays. The train from Guantánamo, now stuck in Ciego de Ávila, has been unable to reach Havana. Additionally, trains heading to Sancti Spíritus and Holguín have been unable to depart from Havana.
Passengers Stranded in Havana
"As a result, many people have been left waiting at La Coubre station for an extended period," the minister stated on his Facebook page. He also shared images of the repair efforts on the Central Line, which continued overnight from Friday into Saturday.
Details of the Incident
The derailment occurred at 5:15 PM when the Extra Train 107, with locomotive 38209 and three carriages headed towards the municipality of Los Arabos, derailed at kilometer 149.2 of the Central Line. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and all passengers were safely evacuated.
Authorities Respond and Begin Repairs
Upon learning of the derailment, senior officials from regional railways, the Union of Railways of Cuba (UFC), and the Rail Transport Administration (ATF), along with Party and Government representatives, police, and other Interior Ministry officials, promptly arrived at the scene.
"Efforts are underway to address the disruption and restore train traffic as quickly as possible," the official report noted. The specific causes of the derailment remain undisclosed at this time.