A freight train operated by MRS Logística derailed near the Brás station early Wednesday morning, December 18, causing significant disruptions to CPTM services, particularly affecting the 11-Coral and 12-Safira lines. The incident occurred around 2:10 AM and led to partial service stops, which continued until approximately 9:40 AM, creating chaos for morning commuters.
The derailment severely interrupted train traffic, leaving passengers stranded as the CPTM worked to restore operations. According to the latest updates, both the 11-Coral and 12-Safira lines were operating under partial service conditions. On line 11-Coral, trains moved on a single track between the stations Tatuapé and Brás, and resumed full service later than expected. Meanwhile, the 12-Safira line saw limited movement, particularly between Calmon Viana and Tatuapé, with only two trains operational from Brás to Tatuapé.
The Expresso Aeroporto, which provides access to Guarulhos Airport, temporarily suspended operations due to the derailment and was able to resume service around 7 AM. This caused added frustration for travelers caught up in the chaotic transport conditions.
To assist affected passengers, CPTM activated 57 replacement buses via the Paese system to shuttle between the Brás and Tatuapé stations. Buses also integrated with the metro services, allowing for seamless transitions between different forms of transportation, which is especially relevant for many commuters who rely on public transport to reach their destinations.
The derailment of the train, which was transporting bauxite to the city of Alumínio, affected not just the trains but also created heightened congestion for metro services. The CPTM noted unusual crowds on the Line 3-Red of the Metro, as commuters sought alternatives to the disrupted train lines. Passengers reported intense delays, leading many to abandon their initial travel plans. Aldeci Paulino, 54, shared her experience arriving at Itaim Paulista station at 5:30 AM, only to find the platform overcrowded and trains significantly delayed. "I needed to do some shopping, but I'll have to put it off until tomorrow," she expressed.
According to MRS Logística's statement to UOL, the derailment disrupted not just the affected line but interfered with additional tracks, making the situation more complex. The company confirmed the derailment on track three impacted tracks one and two, causing extensive delays. Technicians from both CPTM and MRS Logística are actively engaged on-site, focusing on removing the derailed cars and inspecting the rail infrastructure for damages. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported due to the incident.
The authorities indicated the causes of the derailment are still under investigation; both CPTM and MRS Logística pledged to cooperate fully with the inquiry. Past incidents, including one from December 2022 where ten freight cars derailed, demonstrate the recurrent nature of operational disruptions stemming from such events.
The response from the rail authorities was swift, addressing both the immediate need for passenger transportation alternatives and beginning the process of recovery and assessment of the railway infrastructure affected by the derailment. While services have started to resume, regular operations have yet to return to pre-incident normalcy.
Further complications arose as the morning unfolded with commuters discovering delays, creating palpable frustration and uncertainty. The CPTM is dedicated to keeping passengers informed and minimizing inconvenience wherever possible, promising to provide updates on the developments as they progress through the resolution of these complications.
Transport issues like these highlight the fragility of urban train networks, where operational disruptions can resonate across entire transit systems, impacting countless daily commuters. The CPTM remains committed to restoring full service as quickly as possible, and investigations will determine the way forward for ensuring such incidents are mitigated effectively in the future.
