A catastrophic train collision last Saturday, December 7, led to a significant oil spill that has devastated the natural environment and affected numerous homes in Guayos, Sancti Spíritus. This disaster involved two trains carrying fuel and other materials, creating an ongoing environmental crisis despite the efforts of numerous workers from the Sergio Soto Refinery in Cabaiguán, who are working tirelessly to recover the oil and clean the area, according to the local newspaper Escambray.
Photographs released by the state-controlled press and firsthand accounts from workers reveal an alarming extent of the spilled oil, which has even reached the branches of nearby trees and the yards of houses adjacent to the railway. Some pictures show oil covering the surrounding vegetation, though oil workers have stated that "there's not much left."
The accident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. on December 7, when Extra Train No. 67, transporting resources from the Mariel Special Development Zone, collided with Extra Train No. 912, which was headed to the Sergio Soto Refinery. This resulted in one of the six fuel tanks derailing, releasing an estimated 60,000 liters of oil.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but the enormity of the disaster was undeniable. The community of Guayos, with homes situated perilously close to the railway, experienced the full brunt of the collision. "The crash made me think the world was ending," recounted Idania Vera Cañizares, one of the affected residents, as she watched oil flood her yard and surrounding areas.
The refinery team, led by Carlos Enríquez Díaz Bernal, the plant's deputy director, has been actively involved in transferring the oil to tanker trucks for processing. So far, approximately 70% of the oil, around 42,000 liters, has been successfully recovered. Efforts to contain the spill have engaged various teams, including those from the Ministry of the Interior, the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), and the Base Business Unit (UEB) of Engineering Works.
Key Questions about the Train Accident and Oil Spill in Sancti Spíritus
What caused the train collision in Sancti Spíritus?
The collision was caused when Extra Train No. 67, carrying resources from the Mariel Special Development Zone, collided with Extra Train No. 912 headed to the Sergio Soto Refinery.
How much oil was spilled in the accident?
An estimated 60,000 liters of oil were spilled due to the derailment of one of the six fuel tanks involved in the accident.
What measures are being taken to clean up the oil spill?
Efforts to clean up the oil spill include transferring the oil to tanker trucks, with the Sergio Soto Refinery staff leading the recovery. So far, approximately 70% of the oil has been recovered.