A tragic accident unfolded Thursday afternoon on a stretch of the National Highway near the municipality of Aguada de Pasajeros in Cienfuegos province. This unfortunate event reportedly resulted in two fatalities and several injuries.
Preliminary reports, shared on the Facebook page of the Mamanantuabo Popular Council, indicate that the collision occurred at kilometer 209 of the National Highway. It involved a tourist bus and a truck. "There are reports of fatalities and multiple injuries, but details are still unconfirmed. Firefighters, police, and ambulances are currently arriving at the scene," stated the Mamanantuabo Communicator's Facebook profile.
Alejandro Romero Álvarez, a deputy to the National Assembly of People's Power, mentioned on his Facebook page, "We are currently at the Provincial Hospital alongside provincial authorities. The protocols for such incidents are being followed. The first injured individuals are arriving, and two fatalities have been reported."
The Perlavisión Telecenter, through its Facebook page, informed that due to the severity of the incident, plans for mass casualty reception were activated at the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima General University Hospital in Cienfuegos. The channel also noted that a team is on-site gathering more information.
In a later update, Perlavisión clarified through preliminary reports that the crash involved a 16-seat minibus from Transtur's Santa Fe base in Havana. The vehicle, carrying eight tourists, collided with the highway divider at kilometer 209.
Juan Juan AL MEDIO shared a video on Facebook showing the Transtur bus, which allegedly ended up in the central divider of the National Highway following the collision.
Additionally, on Thursday morning, a fire broke out in the electrical panels of the "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" thermoelectric plant in Cienfuegos province, causing alarm. However, the fire was swiftly extinguished due to the prompt action of local personnel and firefighters.
According to Radio Ciudad del Mar's Facebook page, the blaze was contained without any injuries reported, and authorities have begun investigations to determine the cause and assess the damage.
Later, journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, citing statements from Juan Bravo Núñez, the director of the thermoelectric plant, reported that the damages were classified as "severe."
Key Details on the Cienfuegos Highway Collision
What vehicles were involved in the Cienfuegos accident?
The collision involved a tourist bus and a truck on the National Highway near Aguada de Pasajeros.
How many casualties were reported from the bus accident?
Preliminary reports indicate two fatalities and numerous injuries as a result of the accident.
What was the response to the highway accident?
Emergency services, including firefighters, police, and ambulances, responded promptly to the scene, and protocols for mass casualty reception were activated at the local hospital.