YCRT train derailment investigation explores potential sabotage

Authorities and labor unions are investigating the derailment of a Yacimientos Carboníferos Río Turbio (YCRT) train that occurred on October 7 near the Ingeniero Cappa station. The incident involved a locomotive and three coal-laden wagons, resulting in two wagons overturning and one derailing.

Carlos Garzón, general secretary of ATE Santa Cruz, announced that the union will join the judicial proceedings as a complainant. Garzón characterized the event as an “atentado” (attack), stating that preliminary assessments by the Ministry of Labor and the Santa Cruz Police suggest the incident may have been intentional. The union is seeking to identify those responsible and calls for exemplary punishment.

Federal Justice is conducting forensic examinations at the site to determine if the cause was an operational failure or sabotage. Luis Triviño, YCRT's head of traffic, stated that the train was dispatched following standard protocols and that the tracks were in proper condition prior to the incident.