Bus Accident in Santiago de Cuba: Out-of-Control Bus Mounts Sidewalk

An interprovincial bus lost control and ended up on the sidewalk, right next to a business entrance, on the busy Escario Street in Santiago de Cuba. This incident was reported by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.

Photos shared on Facebook depict the bus immobilized on the sidewalk, with its front end alarmingly close to the establishment's door, surrounded by onlookers and passersby.

The accident took place near the Ferreiro youth plaza, though the original report does not specify the exact time of the occurrence nor the condition of the vehicle’s occupants.

In the comments section of the same post, several users expressed relief that, fortunately, there were no fatalities. "Thanks to the driver’s experience, who did a great job, we all came out safe," stated one of the bus passengers.

One user pointed out the presence of "so many kids passing through here on their way to school," emphasizing the risk this area poses during school hours. "Wow, and in the middle of the morning, it's not easy," remarked another resident, echoing the concerns of those who travel this route at that time.

Other commenters also highlighted the dangerous nature of Escario Street. "Escario is a hazardous street. Drivers need to be extremely cautious when driving there. The accident rate on this street is very high because incidents are common," one noted.

This episode adds to a growing list of recent traffic incidents. Just last week, a bus windshield was shattered in a dramatic collision on the Berroa bridge, located on the outskirts of Havana.

In another serious event, a Yutong bus carrying workers between Caibarién (Villa Clara) and Yaguajay (Sancti Spíritus) overturned on the northern highway, on the stretch connecting Mayajigua and Seibabo. Images revealed significant damage to the front of the vehicle and several injuries, with one individual undergoing surgery at the Joaquín Paneca hospital in Yaguajay.

Social media users have attributed potential blame to the driver's excessive speed and the poor condition of the road, which they describe as "terrible," citing additional risks like stray livestock and lack of upkeep.

The frequent reports of bus accidents and the accounts of those who navigate streets like Escario daily fuel public demand for greater prevention measures: improved road conditions, stricter traffic control, rigorous vehicle inspections, and enhanced driver training and monitoring.

In the absence of official reports providing more details about the incident in Santiago de Cuba, eyewitness accounts and images shared on social media remain the primary source of information for the impacted community.

The bus involved remained temporarily immobilized, drawing attention from locals and social media users who shared photos of the scene.

Meanwhile, residents’ comments reflect a mix of relief over the lack of fatalities in this case, and concern over the frequency of such incidents on this route, particularly during peak school and work traffic hours.