A military bus ignited in flames on Santiago de Cuba's highway this past Friday, causing alarm among bystanders and nearby residents. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported the incident, sharing videos and photographs of the fire on his social media platforms. The vehicle, a Girón bus operated by the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), was captured engulfed in flames along the highway. Subsequent footage revealed the bus's interior was completely charred.
As of the time of writing, there have been no reports of injuries. Neither officials nor state-controlled media have acknowledged the incident. This event adds to a troubling series of similar occurrences throughout recent months in Cuba, raising concerns about the state of transportation in the nation.
Recent Incidents Highlighting Concerns
On February 26, 2025, a bus carrying female prisoners caught fire on Trocha Street in Santiago de Cuba, directly in front of the South Children's Hospital. Thanks to the quick response of locals, the blaze was managed before firefighters arrived.
Earlier, on February 7, 2025, a short circuit in the electrical system caused a bus to catch fire in Havana. Fortunately, no injuries were reported due to the swift actions of the fire department.
On February 6, 2025, a state-run Transtur bus transporting 20 Czech tourists caught fire near the Topes de Collantes viewpoint in Sancti Spíritus. While there were no casualties, the vehicle was completely destroyed, and the tourists lost some of their belongings.
Another grave incident occurred on January 15, 2025, involving a military bus carrying soldiers that resulted in fatalities in Camagüey. The Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) refrained from issuing statements, sparking criticism for their lack of transparency.
Ongoing Transportation Challenges in Cuba
The frequency of these incidents has raised red flags regarding the condition of Cuba's vehicle fleet. Experts suggest that the aging of the fleet, inadequate maintenance, and the use of low-quality fuels may be contributing factors. Furthermore, the absence of detailed official reports on the causes of these fires hampers the development of effective preventive measures.
Cubans are calling for greater transparency and concrete actions from authorities to ensure the safety of both public and military transportation. Implementing preventive maintenance programs, renewing the fleet, and providing ongoing driver training are essential steps to prevent future incidents and protect passengers' lives.
In the meantime, Cuban transportation users continue to face uncertainty and risks during their daily commutes, hoping for effective measures to reverse this alarming trend.
Addressing Cuba's Vehicle Safety Concerns
What are the main causes of vehicle fires in Cuba?
Experts point to the aging fleet, lack of proper maintenance, and use of low-quality fuels as major contributors to vehicle fires in Cuba.
How can Cuba improve transportation safety?
Improving transportation safety in Cuba involves implementing preventive maintenance programs, renewing the vehicle fleet, and ensuring continuous training for drivers.