On Thursday, the Maisí community in Guantánamo warmly welcomed back bus 1297 after its harrowing experience on March 25th along the perilous La Farola viaduct. The heartfelt tribute, shared on Facebook by Chely Tamayo, was a sincere acknowledgment of the bravery of drivers Luis Antonio Rodríguez Griñán and Bernaldo Bello Barrios, whose quick thinking prevented a disaster that might have mourned the entire municipality.
Amidst tears of emotion and rounds of applause, the drivers were lauded for their composure, professionalism, and courage in the face of a nightmare scenario: brake failure on one of Cuba's most winding and challenging roads. Rodríguez Griñán, at the helm of bus 1246 on the Maisí-Havana route, managed to navigate the brake-less vehicle for over a kilometer downhill, skillfully maneuvering sharp curves and steep slopes, ultimately bringing it to a halt without causing injury or loss of life. His swift reaction was crucial in averting a disaster.
The grateful residents of Maisí turned the drivers' return into a celebration and acknowledgment event. "This welcome is not just seen; it is felt and lived in the hearts of everyone," remarked Chely Tamayo on social media.
The drivers, still deeply moved, couldn't hold back their tears upon seeing the community gathered in gratitude. Their actions, many said, exemplify how heroism is also about fulfilling daily duties with responsibility and a love for life.
The Perils of La Farola
The La Farola viaduct, a key link between Baracoa, Cuba's most mountainous municipality, and the city of Guantánamo, is notorious for its narrow lanes, sharp curves, and steep inclines, necessitating optimal vehicle conditions and extreme caution from drivers.
While this incident resulted in no casualties, it reignites calls for a thorough review of the interprovincial transportation system and stricter technical controls on the country's most demanding routes.
Key Insights on Cuba's Transportation Challenges
What measures are being discussed to improve road safety on Cuba's challenging routes?
There is a renewed call for a comprehensive review of the interprovincial transportation system and the implementation of stricter technical controls, especially on Cuba's most challenging routes like La Farola.
How did the drivers manage to prevent a disaster on La Farola?
Driver Luis Antonio Rodríguez Griñán skillfully maneuvered the bus with failed brakes for over a kilometer, navigating sharp curves and steep slopes, ultimately stopping it without causing any harm.