Cuban Transport Minister Addresses Matanzas Train Derailment and Implications

Cuban Transport Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila commented on a train derailment in Matanzas that disrupted services and raised safety concerns. The Tren Extra 924, carrying rum, derailed with five tanker cars affected, causing a fire. Emergency measures were activated, no casualties were reported. This incident reflects ongoing issues in Cuba’s railway infrastructure, raising alarms about a series of accidents in recent months.

Cuban Transportation Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila has expressed profound concern over a train derailment incident that occurred in Matanzas, which has disrupted railway operations in that region. The accident, which took place at kilometer 80.500 of the Central Line, near Mocha station, involved the Tren Extra 924. This train was transporting alcohol from the “Meláneo Hernández” distillery in Sancti Spíritus to a rum factory in Santa Cruz del Norte, Mayabeque. Five of its tanker cars derailed; one overturned and ignited, while two were positioned partially overturned and the remaining two stayed on the tracks. The derailment impacted about 100 meters of the railway.

In a statement shared via social media, Rodríguez Dávila remarked that this event signifies “something more than a railway accident.” He indicated that he was supervising operations in the Havana Bay tunnel when he learned of the derailment and promptly headed to the site to assess the damages personally.

Emergency protocols were immediately initiated following the accident, notably for those affected who were traveling on train No. 15 from Havana to Holguín, which has since been rescheduled. Furthermore, the Guantánamo to Havana train was temporarily suspended as precautionary measures. It was highlighted that, thankfully, no fatalities were reported from this incident.

This incident in Matanzas is part of a troubling recent trend in Cuba, with a number of railway accidents reported over the past several months. In April 2025, a train derailment occurred on the Holguín-Havana route in Las Tunas but did not result in injuries. Earlier, in December 2024, two freight trains collided in Sancti Spíritus leading to significant oil spillage due to violations of operational regulations. Additional derailments in Matanzas and Las Tunas have also raised concerns about the safety of the railway system.

A set of frequently asked questions has emerged regarding the incident, clarifying what occurred and detailing the immediate responses from authorities. These questions address the accident itself, the measures taken post-incident, and the overarching transportation issues Cuba faces. This singular event underscores the ongoing deterioration of Cuba’s railway infrastructure, a longstanding problem that hampers both the mobility of citizens and the transport of essential goods.

The repeated accidents underscore systemic issues ranging from infrastructure decay to regulatory breaches and negligent practices. They also bolster criticisms against the government regarding the neglect in maintaining safe train operations. The country seems in urgent need of a comprehensive assessment and overhaul of its railway system to prevent future tragic occurrences.

The recent train derailment in Matanzas, Cuba, highlights serious underlying issues within the nation’s railway infrastructure, prompting responses from government officials including Transportation Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila. Emergency measures have been enacted, yet the incident sheds light on a disturbing trend of railway accidents in the country fueled by maintenance neglect and operational violations. As Cuba grapples with these challenges, it is clear that substantial reforms are necessary to enhance safety and efficiency in railway transportation.

Original Source: en.cibercuba.com