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FROM
CUBA
Unexplained railway incidents could endanger
trains in Cuba
SANTA CLARA, Cuba, April 22 (Tico Morales,
APLA / www.cubanet.org) - In the last ten
days several unexplained incidents have
been reported by passengers and crew of
the Morón-Havana rail line that could
be endangering the trains.
The incidents, all reported to have occurred
in the vicinity of the Villa Clara mechanical
plant, include apparent collisions that
have damaged some of the rolling stock,
and half-open rail switches that could derail
a train.
The 2305, a self-propelled, aging, American-made
Bud passenger car is undergoing repairs
after one such incident.
"We heard a loud bang, but we didn't
see anything," said one crewman. "We
were able to continue but we advised the
railway controllers so that other trains
would be aware of the danger," he said.
The car travels at an authorized speed
of 110 to 120 kilometers per hour (about
70 to 75 mph) . The collision evidently
caused some damage under the car, including
the engine oil pan.
The 4714, a more modern, Spanish-made car,
known as the White Seagull, has also experienced
a similar mishap.
Some crewmen have reported finding rail
switches left half-open, but fortunately
all have been detected before any rolling
stock tried to go over them.
Versión
original en español
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