An altercation involving drivers from two vehicles linked to the state-owned company Transtur erupted into violence, creating a shocking scene on a bustling public street. Videos and eyewitness accounts circulating on social media depict the dramatic events that unfolded this past Monday in the bustling city of Cárdenas. A Transtur bus, typically used for transporting tourists or sector workers, and a technical assistance tow truck from the same government entity, engaged in a heated dispute that escalated into physical aggression and a deliberate collision.
While the initial cause of the conflict remains unclear, witnesses suggest the altercation stemmed from improper driving maneuvers. Some speculate that the tow truck might have been responding to a technical call from the bus itself, though this remains unconfirmed. Comments on Facebook groups, such as “Accidentes Buses & Camiones,” allege that the tow truck driver was assaulted by the bus driver and at least two other individuals wielding bats.
One user, claiming to have gathered firsthand accounts from the scene, criticized the bystanders' inaction during the assault and labeled the attack as excessive. A widely shared video shows the tow truck driver pushing through a crowd to re-enter his vehicle. He then reverses and intentionally crashes into the bus amidst shouts from onlookers, before driving forward and reversing again for a second impact, just before the video cuts off.
The incident has sparked outrage and discussion online, with some fearing that the tow truck driver may be solely blamed while the alleged assailants might evade accountability due to purported connections with high-ranking officials. So far, there have been no official statements from authorities concerning the incident, nor any indication of an investigation into the individuals involved.
Both the bus and tow truck are owned by the same state-run enterprise, Transtur S.A., currently managed by Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez Corzo. This company operates under the umbrella of the Grupo Empresarial Extrahotelero CUBASOL S.A., a state-owned business entity established in 2015 under the Ministry of Tourism. Cubasol encompasses major non-hotel service companies in Cuba, including Palmares, Caracol, Marlin, Turarte, and Transtur itself, which functions under commercial brands like CUBACAR, HAVANAUTOS, REX, and Transtur.
With a workforce exceeding 22,000 and a widespread national infrastructure, the violent altercation highlights dangerous and reprehensible behavior among employees of this state enterprise.
Recent Incidents Involving Transtur Buses
The clash in Cárdenas adds to a series of troubling incidents involving Transtur vehicles in recent months, raising concerns about the safety and maintenance of their fleet. In February, a bus carrying 20 Czech tourists caught fire near the Topes de Collantes lookout in Sancti Spíritus. Although there were no casualties, the vehicle was completely destroyed, and passengers lost part of their luggage. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
Around the same time, another Transtur bus collided with an electric pole on a cobblestone street in Trinidad's historic center, causing a blackout in circuit 60 and cutting off electricity for local residents. No injuries were reported. In September 2024, a Transtur bus veered off the road and crashed into a tree on the Central Highway between Ciego de Ávila and Camagüey. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or serious injuries.
These incidents have prompted questions about the technical condition of Transtur's vehicles and the state of Cuban roads, particularly amid a transportation crisis and resource shortages affecting proper fleet maintenance.
Key Questions on Transtur Vehicle Incidents
What led to the altercation between the Transtur bus and the tow truck?
The exact cause of the altercation remains unclear, but witnesses suggest it originated from improper driving maneuvers. Some speculate that the tow truck was responding to a call from the bus, though this is unconfirmed.
Have there been any official statements about the incident?
As of now, no official statements have been issued by authorities regarding the incident, nor is there any indication of an ongoing investigation.
What concerns have arisen regarding Transtur's vehicle fleet?
Recent incidents have raised concerns about the safety and maintenance of Transtur's vehicles, particularly in the context of a transportation crisis and limited resources for proper fleet upkeep.