A train carrying workers narrowly avoided disaster on Thursday night after someone placed a large rock and a traffic cone on the tracks near Juanicó station in Canelones.
The incident occurred at around kilometer 36,500, in a well-lit section of the Central Railroad line. The train’s driver spotted the obstacles from a distance and was able to brake in time.
A Pattern of Sabotage
This is not an isolated incident. Last week, a similar incident on the Minas line resulted in a work vehicle derailing, injuring several workers. A month ago, a train hit objects on the tracks in Florida, but managed to stay on the rails.
Waverley Tejera, director of Rail Transport at the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, condemned the incidents, saying they could have had disastrous consequences. “People need to understand that these actions put lives at risk and cause significant damage,” he warned.
The ministry has reported the latest incident to the authorities, and is urging anyone who witnesses suspicious activity on the tracks to call the police on 911.
History of Incidents
Here are some key facts about the recent incidents:
- A large rock and traffic cone were placed on the Central Railroad line near Juanicó station.
- A work vehicle derailed on the Minas line last week, injuring several workers.
- A train hit objects on the tracks in Florida a month ago, but stayed on the rails.
The ministry is taking these incidents seriously and is working to prevent similar incidents in the future.