A rare collision in Argentina’s capital left at least 90 people injured when a passenger train struck an empty boxcar on the tracks and derailed in the trendy neighborhood of Palermo. The incident raised questions about basic safety as authorities worked to determine why the boxcar was on the rails. Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri praised the swift evacuation of victims at the crash site, where 30 people were taken to hospitals in moderate to serious condition, including two by helicopter with chest trauma and broken bones. Rescuers with police dogs helped 90 people trapped in the train’s wreckage, lowering some from the highway overpass by rope.
The collision brought increased scrutiny to rail safety in Argentina, which experienced several train crashes from 2012-2014 resulting in over 50 deaths and hundreds injured. Outdated infrastructure, delays, and human error were identified as factors contributing to the vulnerability of the railway system to crashes. The government responded by investing in new safety and braking systems to prevent future accidents, with service on the popular rail line suspended as investigations were underway to secure the crash site. Officials at the Argentine rail authority, Trenes Argentinos, urged residents to stay away from the area to allow space for emergency responders.
The derailed train was on its way from Buenos Aires to the northern suburbs when the collision occurred, with witnesses reporting that the train had stopped on the bridge for several minutes before suddenly starting up again and slamming violently into the other train. Passengers described jolting movements and being overwhelmed by sparks and smoke as the train veered off the rails. Dozens of injured individuals were treated at the scene, with dazed passengers recounting the chaos of the collision to local media. The Argentine government faced mounting pressure to ensure the safety of its railway system and prevent future accidents from occurring.
The severity of the collision, along with the large number of injuries sustained by passengers on the train, underscored the importance of maintaining high safety standards in Argentina’s transportation infrastructure. The incident highlighted the need for continued vigilance and investment in modern safety technologies to prevent accidents and protect the traveling public. As the investigations into the collision progressed, authorities worked to determine the root causes of the incident and implement measures to enhance safety protocols and prevent similar incidents in the future. The collision served as a wake-up call for the need to prioritize safety in Argentina’s railway system to protect passengers and prevent potential tragedies.
