Following the train collision on the Central Railway Line at kilometer 349.0, situated between the Guayos and Siguaney stations in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba's Transport Minister, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, announced ongoing efforts to recover as much fuel as feasible. The minister shared on Facebook that a tanker transporting crude oil overturned, causing a spill at the accident site.
The affected tanker was carrying 60 tons of oil, and the exact amount recoverable will be determined after the operation, conducted in collaboration with the state-owned company Cupet, concludes. Additionally, environmental measures will be taken at the location to minimize the spill's impact.
Rodríguez Dávila indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the accident resulted from non-compliance with railway operating regulations. "An investigative committee has been established to uncover the causes of the incident and assign accountability," he stated.
The Minister stressed the seriousness of such incidents, highlighting how they jeopardize human safety, further strain the national economy, and cause significant environmental harm. He committed to urgently reviewing the lessons learned from this accident and implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences.
Details of the Incident
The collision occurred Saturday morning at approximately 7:30 am, involving two freight trains: Extra Train 67, powered by locomotive 52538 with 26 loaded cars, and Extra Train No. 912, pulled by locomotive 38266 with 11 cars. Authorities reported substantial material damage to locomotive 38266, but no injuries among workers or major impacts on road infrastructure.
Reports from the scene indicate one train was coming from the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) headed for Camagüey, while the other originated from Ciego de Ávila, transporting six cars of crude oil to the Sergio Soto refinery in Sancti Spíritus.
Previous Incidents in the Region
In April, Sancti Spíritus experienced another significant railway incident. On April 13, around 2:30 pm, Extra Train 900, carrying crude oil to the Sergio Soto refinery in Cabaiguán, derailed at kilometer 364.2 on the Central Line, near Siguaney. Initially, authorities reported no oil spills or human casualties, though damage to the railway and fuel tanks was noted.
However, by April 17, the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment (CITMA) of Sancti Spíritus confirmed a spill of 200 to 250 liters of oil, which contaminated a stream just five kilometers from the Zaza River. Containment measures, like earthen barriers and manual fuel collection, were implemented to prevent further pollution. This incident temporarily disrupted railway traffic on the Central Line, rerouting passenger trains via alternative paths and extending travel times.
Understanding Train Accidents in Cuba
What caused the recent train collision in Sancti Spíritus?
Preliminary investigations suggest that the collision was due to non-compliance with railway operating regulations.
How much oil was spilled in the recent accident?
The affected tanker was carrying 60 tons of crude oil, and efforts are underway to recover as much as possible.
What measures are being taken to mitigate the environmental impact?
Environmental actions will be executed at the site to reduce the spill's impact, in coordination with Cupet.