A public transit articulated bus crashed into a two-story home in Havana early Monday morning on Santa Amalia Avenue, igniting social media with videos that captured the intricate and challenging operation required to extract the vehicle from the crash site.
Shared in the Facebook group “ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES por más experiencia y menos víctimas!” by Yohandy Aquilera Castillo, the footage highlights the extensive material damage and the complexity involved in removing the bus, which had become lodged underneath part of the affected house's structure.
The videos depict the partial demolition of the home's porch roof, which had collapsed onto the bus following the impact. As explained in the recordings, it was crucial to clear all debris and stabilize the damaged structure before attempting to move the vehicle to prevent further collapse.
With crane assistance, teams meticulously removed the remnants of the house that rested atop the bus's roof. In a particularly tense moment, a column is seen hanging precariously as the bus is finally extracted, covered in debris but no longer in immediate danger.
The video's creator expresses regret over unofficial reports suggesting that the accident was caused by a negligent driver who was allegedly intoxicated, leaving a family with a severely damaged home amidst Cuba's resource scarcity and housing crisis.
The images also address skeptics questioning the event's authenticity or timeliness. “This is happening right now,” insists the video narrator, as the crane maneuvers and the bus is finally pulled from the wreckage.
While no human casualties were reported, the accident and its aftermath have sparked a strong reaction on social media, with many Cubans voicing outrage, sorrow, and concern over the frequency of such incidents, the state of public transportation, and the impact of reckless behavior on families already burdened by the crisis.
Authorities are still investigating the accident's causes as public debate intensifies regarding road safety, driver responsibility, and the deterioration of Cuba's transportation infrastructure.
Understanding the Havana Bus Accident
What caused the bus accident in Havana?
The accident is believed to have been caused by an allegedly intoxicated driver who lost control of the bus, leading to the collision with a residential building.
Were there any casualties in the accident?
Fortunately, there were no human casualties reported from the accident, although the material damage was significant.
How was the bus removed from the crash site?
The bus was carefully removed using a crane, after partially demolishing the home’s porch roof and clearing debris to prevent further structural collapse.
What has been the public reaction to the accident?
The public reaction has been one of indignation and concern, with many expressing frustration over the frequency of such accidents and the poor state of Cuba's public transportation.