A railbus derailment in the municipality of Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba, has resulted in several injuries, including children and pregnant women, according to initial reports. The vehicle veered off the tracks and overturned, injuring at least nine individuals. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, as shared on social media.
The incident took place in the Ya veremos-Barranca community, where the injured, none critically, were transported by trucks to the PPU (Policlínico Principal de Urgencia) in Palma Soriano for medical attention, stated communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada. He mentioned that the cause of the accident remains unknown. However, photos reveal the dire state of the railway line in the area, overgrown with vegetation.
In a post within the “Palma Soriano, Ciudad del Cauto” group, Yorlandi Bravo Alonso confirmed nine injuries and noted the absence of fatalities in this unfortunate event. “Railway accident. 9 injured, and thank God there are no deaths,” he affirmed.
Comments on these posts highlighted that several of the injured suffered fractures. Many people criticized the dismal conditions of the railbuses—local public transport vehicles—used in these areas as the only means for residents to travel.
“It's tragic that no one considers the awful condition of these ancient vehicles or the routes they run on. Sadly, they are the only transportation available for these residents, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and the sick,” expressed a young woman whose family lives in the area. She warned that this incident would further complicate the residents' ability to leave the area and address their needs.
She lamented that, despite countless complaints through various channels, no one seems to care. She also pointed out the frequent unavailability of these vehicles due to being "constantly broken, lacking fuel, or lacking accountability," urging authorities, including the first secretary of the party, Beatriz Johnson, to show concern for the people affected by these inefficiencies.
In Holguín, another railbus derailed due to poor track conditions, while in Palma Soriano, a separate incident occurred when a railbus collided with a trailer whose driver ignored a stop sign.
Railbuses, also known as “caratas” locally, have been operating for years in Cuba, predominantly in rural areas where transportation shortages are a chronic issue. These train-cars are “created” from old buses, modified with locomotive wheels and other adaptations to run on rail lines.
In certain provinces, the government has added trailers to railbuses to increase their capacity for carrying goods and to transport essential items and local agricultural products to remote communities. Although the conversion of buses into railbuses has been promoted by the government and official media as a success and a transportation solution, it is, in reality, a stark result of the severe crisis that has crippled the country's bus fleet.
Understanding Railbus Issues in Cuba
What caused the derailment of the railbus in Santiago de Cuba?
The exact cause of the derailment is still unknown, though poor track maintenance, as seen in photographs of the overgrown railway line, may be a contributing factor.
How many people were injured in the Santiago de Cuba railbus accident?
At least nine people were injured, though none of the injuries were critical. The victims included children and pregnant women.
What are railbuses, and why are they used in Cuba?
Railbuses are modified old buses equipped with locomotive wheels to run on rail tracks. They are used in Cuba, especially in rural areas, due to a severe lack of conventional transportation options.