Background on Tren Maya and its Director
Tren Maya, a significant railway project in Mexico, aims to connect various cities in the Yucatan Peninsula. Óscar David Lozano, the Director General of Tren Maya, is responsible for overseeing this ambitious project. His recent explanation of an incident in Izamal sheds light on the complexities and safety measures involved in operating such a large-scale transportation system.
The Incident in Izamal
On August 19, an incident occurred at the Izamal station in Yucatan. According to Lozano, it was not a derailment but a “track switching error,” where only one bogie of car number three left its lane. The issue arose when an anomaly in a track-switching device caused partial exit of a car from train 304, which brushed against the stationary train 307 on the platform.
Immediate Response and Passenger Safety
Lozano emphasized that all passengers were safe and well, highlighting that safety remains the top priority for Tren Maya. The train conductor promptly applied emergency brakes upon detecting the issue, preventing any injuries. Passengers from both trains were swiftly evacuated with the help of Tren Maya staff and Guardia Nacional personnel. A total of 261 passengers were assisted and transported to their destinations using alternative means, including a special train, without disrupting service. The subsequent scheduled train experienced a 45-minute delay.
Investigation and Preventive Measures
Lozano reported that the Railway Accident Investigating Commission has been activated, and the case has been referred to the Fiscalía General de la República for further investigation. Immediate actions include installing mechanical restraints on track-switching devices and collaborating with Voestalpine and Alstom, the companies responsible for safety systems, to develop a secondary verification mechanism to prevent similar anomalies.
Special Attention to Passengers
Lozano also mentioned that special attention was given to certain passengers. For instance, a pregnant employee involved in the evacuation was sent to Izamal and Merida hospitals as a precautionary measure, and she was found to be safe. Additionally, a passenger who needed to catch a flight in Cancun was directly transported to the airport to avoid missing their flight.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the incident in Izamal? It was a track switching error where only one bogie of car number three left its lane, causing partial exit of a car from train 304 and brushing against the stationary train 307.
- Were there any injuries? No injuries were reported as the train conductor promptly applied emergency brakes.
- How many passengers were affected? A total of 261 passengers were assisted and transported to their destinations using alternative means.
- What measures have been taken to prevent similar incidents? Mechanical restraints will be installed on track-switching devices, and a secondary verification mechanism is being developed with the help of Voestalpine and Alstom.
- Were there any special considerations for passengers? Yes, a pregnant employee involved in the evacuation was sent to hospitals as a precaution, and a passenger needing to catch a flight was directly transported to the airport.
