Following a significant collision involving two buses in Ranchuelo, Villa Clara on Monday, two individuals are currently in critical but stable condition, as reported by the Provincial Health Directorate. This morning, health officials provided an update on the clinical status of those injured in the head-on crash, which occurred in the town of Esperanza, allegedly when one bus attempted to overtake a horse-drawn cart.
The accident resulted in injuries to 49 people, including nine children. Dr. Yandry Alfonso Chang, who oversees Medical Assistance and Medication for Villa Clara's Health Directorate, informed local media that medical care was provided to all the wounded, and five individuals underwent surgical procedures, among them a 16-year-old girl. Of the two critically injured patients, one required surgery for thoracic trauma, while another is in serious condition due to a cranial injury.
The eight children who were admitted to the pediatric hospital are in stable condition and will remain under observation for 24 hours. Additionally, Dr. Chang mentioned that 21 adult patients might be discharged soon, given their positive recovery progress.
Initial reports from provincial health authorities indicated that two people were critically injured and two were seriously hurt, while the rest suffered minor injuries and were under medical observation as a precautionary measure. The crash took place at kilometer 288 of the Central Highway in Esperanza, involving a Yutong bus (license plate 121284), a Diana bus (license plate 027011), and a horse-drawn cart on the road, as clarified by Lieutenant Colonel Heriberto López, head of the Provincial Traffic Unit.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the Yutong bus was en route to pick up Farmacuba employees in Esperanza when it collided with the Diana bus, which was operating on the San Juan-Santa Clara route from Ranchuelo. The presence of the cart might have contributed to the accident, though the exact causes are still under investigation by Ministry of the Interior (Minint) experts.
Following the crash, emergency teams, healthcare professionals, and police personnel arrived at the scene to assist the victims and gather evidence to determine the cause of the incident. The 40 injured adults were transported to the Arnaldo Milián Castro Provincial Clinical-Surgical Hospital, and the nine minors were taken to the José Luis Miranda Pediatric Hospital, both located in Santa Clara. Although no fatalities have been reported so far, the severity of some patients' injuries continues to strain the local healthcare system.
Key Questions About the Villa Clara Bus Accident
What was the cause of the Villa Clara bus accident?
The preliminary investigation suggests the accident occurred when one bus attempted to overtake a horse-drawn cart, leading to a collision with another bus. However, the exact causes are still under investigation by the Ministry of the Interior.
How many people were injured in the accident?
A total of 49 people were injured in the accident, including nine children.
What is the condition of the injured individuals?
Two individuals are in critical condition, with one having undergone surgery for thoracic trauma. Another is in serious condition due to a cranial injury. The other injured persons are recovering, with some expected to be discharged soon.