Dozens of passengers on a national bus route found themselves stranded without food or assistance from the early hours until late afternoon yesterday in the province of Ciego de Ávila.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported on Facebook that after a mechanical breakdown, "a group of passengers on the Havana–Santiago de Cuba bus has been stuck since the early morning in the Majagua municipality, just before reaching Ciego de Ávila."
"A bus departing from Havana at 4 PM, headed towards Santiago de Cuba, broke down at 1 AM in the heart of Ciego de Ávila... and as of now, they remain stranded without a solution," he elaborated.
Mayeta noted that the drivers merely claimed they were searching for a part, "but nobody confirms anything, and it seems to be false."
Among the passengers are children, elderly individuals, those who are ill, and even people infected with the virus, "waiting under conditions that are a complete disrespect to human dignity."
"Passengers are left without food, without information, without care, many sitting on the ground," he lamented.
In a follow-up post several hours later, Mayeta explained that many passengers had opted to continue their journey by hitchhiking, while "the uncertainty, exhaustion, and anxiety are visible on the faces of those awaiting a resolution that never comes."
"Passengers point out that each ticket cost 6,000 pesos per person, a steep price for any Cuban. They ask, how is it possible that after paying such an amount, there is no guarantee of fuel nor a safe arrival in Santiago de Cuba? Frustration mounts, along with concern for those who are ill or have special needs," Mayeta reported.
"Tension is rising by the minute. Passengers fear spending the entire night on the road, exposed, without adequate food, and without guarantees of safety. What began as a mechanical failure has now become a troubling example of the vulnerability of interprovincial transportation in Cuba," he concluded.
As of now, there is no news on the resolution of this unfortunate incident.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuban Bus Transportation
What caused the bus to stop in Ciego de Ávila?
The bus broke down due to a mechanical issue, and the drivers claimed they were searching for a replacement part.
How have passengers coped with the delay?
Some passengers have resorted to hitchhiking to continue their journey, while others remain waiting in difficult conditions.
What are the passengers' main concerns?
The passengers are worried about the lack of food, information, safety, and the high cost of their tickets without assurance of reaching their destination.