In the early hours of Monday, an articulated city bus from Santa Amalia terminal, identified as number 513, collided with a two-story house in Cuba's capital, Havana.
The crash took place at approximately 3:30 am on Santa Amalia Avenue. Despite the severity of the impact, fortunately, no human casualties were reported.
However, photos circulating on social media reveal that the structural damage was significant, particularly to the building involved.
The "Transportación Habana TH" Facebook group reported that authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the reasons behind the crash.
Meanwhile, Yohandy Aquilera Castillo, a participant in the "Traffic Accidents in Cuba and Road Information" Facebook forum, claimed that the bus driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident. This assertion remains unverified by official sources.
Residents in the area and social media users have voiced their concerns about the damage and the increasing frequency of such incidents, highlighting the deteriorating state of public transportation in Cuba.
Comments across both posts emphasized the vulnerability of both passengers and drivers in the Cuban public transport system. Several residents pointed out that inadequate vehicle maintenance, driver exhaustion, along with stress from power outages and resource shortages, contribute to these occurrences.
"Bus 513 has met its unfortunate fate! Now it's time for cannibalism at the depot," a local remarked with irony.
A woman expressed relief that no lives were lost, yet lamented the extent of the damage, "especially during these times, poor owners."
Comments were unanimous in condemning the driver's alleged irresponsibility, particularly if intoxication is confirmed. "What recklessness, a fitting punishment is warranted, starting with a complete revocation of his driving license," a Havana resident declared.
"We barely have any buses left, and the few we do have are often involved in accidents. Causes: fatigue from power outages, illnesses, hunger, worries. Also, the deterioration of these vehicles, which are few, don't stop, cannot receive proper maintenance, and have been overused for years. We'll end up with nothing," an artisan commented.
This incident once again highlights the dire state of public transportation in Cuba, where buses are increasingly scarce and those in operation are in poor condition.
The investigation is ongoing, and it is anticipated that authorities will soon release statements regarding potential liabilities and the actions to be taken. This comes amid growing concerns over road safety and the quality of public transportation on the island.
Key Questions About Public Transportation in Cuba
What caused the recent bus accident in Havana?
The exact cause of the bus accident in Havana is under investigation. However, a social media user claimed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol, though this has not been officially confirmed.
How are residents responding to transportation issues in Cuba?
Residents and social media users are expressing increasing concern over the state of public transportation, citing issues such as vehicle maintenance, driver fatigue, and resource shortages as contributing factors to frequent accidents.
What are the implications of this accident for Cuba's public transport system?
This accident underscores the critical condition of Cuba's public transport infrastructure, where vehicles are scarce and in disrepair, leading to safety and reliability concerns.