A devastating collision took place early Sunday morning on Cuba's National Highway near Aguada de Pasajeros in Cienfuegos province, resulting in the tragic loss of at least two lives and injuries to several more. The incident rapidly spread across social media, as users and relatives shared details of the accident along with heartfelt condolences.
According to reports from independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, the accident involved a bus carrying passengers from eastern Cuba. Tragically, the fatalities included the bus's two drivers.
The pro-government page Las Cosas de Fernanda.2 detailed that the crash occurred at kilometer 188 of the highway. It was suggested that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to a collision with the rear of a trailer. This source claimed that at least 13 individuals sustained injuries, including two children with minor wounds, although authorities have yet to confirm these figures or release the victims' identities.
On social media, relatives and friends expressed their grief and shared personal accounts. A user named La Negrita Linda de Shango recounted, “My dad was on that bus and miraculously survived. Many were injured, but not my dad or some kids who were on board.” Another woman, Dari Tamayo, mourned the loss of a family member, stating, “One of the deceased is my sister's uncle. May God bless Miguelito in His Holy Glory.” A close friend of one of the victims, Oracio Águilar, also confirmed the death of one of the drivers: “A driver on that bus died, a great friend and brother of mine. Rest in peace, brother.”
Concerned users like Yanis Corralez and Vladis Urquía frantically sought news about family members whose phones remained off following the crash. The post drew hundreds of reactions and requests for information from across the country.
Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz expressed his sorrow over the accident through a message on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, offering condolences to the victims' families and wishing a swift recovery to those injured.
This recent disaster comes just a month and a half after another accident in the same area, when a Transtur bus traveling from Guantánamo to Havana veered off the road at kilometer 183 of the National Highway, also near Aguada de Pasajeros. That incident resulted in two fatalities and 18 injuries, including one serious case.
Social media users have been vocal about the frequent occurrence of such tragedies in central Cuba, attributing the accidents to poor road conditions, inadequate bus maintenance, and lack of proper lighting on the National Highway. “In Cuba, almost all bus accidents happen in Cienfuegos or Guantánamo; the highways are unsafe and lack proper signage,” commented one internet user.
The tragic event has left families and travelers in shock, amid a rise in traffic accidents across Cuba in recent weeks—a persistent issue claiming lives on the nation’s roads.
Key Questions About the Cienfuegos Traffic Accident
What caused the recent bus accident in Cienfuegos?
The accident is believed to have been caused by the bus driver falling asleep at the wheel, resulting in a collision with the rear of a trailer.
How many people were affected by the accident?
At least two individuals died, and reports suggest that 13 others were injured, including two children with minor injuries.
What are some contributing factors to the frequent road accidents in Cuba?
Frequent road accidents in Cuba are often attributed to poor road conditions, lack of maintenance for buses, and insufficient lighting and signage on highways.