A train operated by the Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM) derailed early on Saturday, February 1, 2025, near the Botujuru district of Campo Limpo Paulista, following heavy rainfall causing landslides. At the time of the incident, there were no passengers on board, as the train had not yet begun its scheduled service.
According to CPTM, the derailment was triggered when earth from the hillside gave way as the train was exiting the tunnel near the Botujuru station. Fortunately, the train driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby Unidade de Pronto Atendimento (UPA), where he was confirmed to be recovering well.
Maintenance teams were quickly dispatched to the scene to clear the overturned train and restore normal operations along the affected route. The incident has severely disrupted train services on the Linha 7-Rubi, stranding many passengers.
Due to the significant rainfall affecting the metropolitan region of São Paulo, train operations were temporarily halted between Caieiras station and Botujuru. The situation was exacerbated by flooding caused by the storms, which resulted in multiple reports of water accumulation near stations, particularly at Caieiras and Franco da Rocha. CPTM stated, "A equipe de manutenção está atuando para retirar a composição do local," indicating their swift response to the crisis.
By approximately 8:30 AM, normal train operations resumed between the stations of Caieiras and Franco da Rocha, but services remained suspended on other parts of the line affected by flooding and landslides.
Meanwhile, due to the disruption, the Expresso Turístico, intended to run to Jundiaí on the same day, was canceled, affecting numerous eager travelers. The CPTM activated the Paese service for any impacted passengers, ensuring they had alternative transport options during this unexpected situation.
The heavy rains not only interrupted train services; the Centro de Gerenciamento de Emergência (CGE) declared the entire city of São Paulo to be on alert as numerous neighborhoods experienced flooding. Reports indicated at least fourteen impassable points across the city, leading to major traffic disruptions. Areas with significant water accumulation included Casa Verde, Lapa, and Itaquera among others, highlighting the widespread nature of the rainfall's effect.
Xavier Almeida from the CPTM emphasized the need for passenger safety during the adverse weather conditions, assuring public transport users, "O maquinista foi encaminhado para uma Unidade de Pronto Atendimento (UPA) e passa bem," confirming the well-being of the driver and underlining the efficiency of the emergency response.
With forecasts predicting continued rain over the weekend, the CPTM and municipal authorities are urging commuters to stay informed about potential service changes and flooding issues around the metro area. The response teams are expected to remain on high alert as they monitor conditions throughout the day and seek to mitigate inconveniences for commuters.
While the uncomfortable experience during inclement weather serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by such natural events, it also reflects the community's resilience and infrastructure's ability to respond and recover.