A Yutong bus traveling from Havana to Guantánamo met with a tragic accident early this morning on the national highway. The incident occurred at the stretch commonly known as Puente de las Cajas, between kilometers 172 and 176, in the Aguada de Pasajeros municipality, Cienfuegos province.
The crash took place around 2:40 a.m. on Sunday, resulting in 48 individuals requiring medical attention at the Provincial Hospital Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima and the Pediatric Hospital Paquito González Cueto, both located in the provincial capital.
According to the official outlet, 5 de Septiembre, the injured include seven minors, among them three infants.
The risk assessment indicates that three of the patients are in critical condition, classified as code red, while the others remain in code yellow status.
Ling Denise Santeiro, the director of the Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Hospital, confirmed the details, noting that "fortunately, there are no fatal casualties."
The initial victims were first taken to the Hospital of Aguada de Pasajeros, where emergency protocols were immediately activated, prior to being transferred to larger facilities in Cienfuegos, as per official data from the provincial Directorate General of Health.
This incident occurred on one of Cuba's most perilous roadways. On November 7, 2025, another Yutong bus lost control at kilometer 183 on the same highway, near Las Cajas, resulting in two deaths and 18 injuries.
Just weeks later, on December 22, 2025, another crash at kilometer 188 of the same corridor claimed the lives of two bus drivers and left at least 13 injured, including two minors.
In January 2025, a similar tragedy in Cienfuegos also resulted in fatalities and numerous injuries at kilometer 209 of the national highway, close to Aguada de Pasajeros.
This pattern of accidents is part of a national trend of increasing road fatalities: in 2025, Cuba recorded 750 traffic-related deaths, up from 634 in 2024, according to data from the National Road Safety Commission presented in February of this year.
In less than six months, there have been at least three major bus accidents on this same stretch of the national highway, all occurring at night or in the early morning hours, and all involving long-distance interprovincial buses traveling routes between Havana and eastern Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highway Accidents in Cuba
What is the cause of frequent bus accidents in Cienfuegos?
The frequent bus accidents are attributed to the hazardous conditions of the national highway, particularly the stretch near Puente de las Cajas, combined with factors such as inadequate road maintenance, poor visibility, and the nature of long-distance travel.
How many people have died in traffic accidents in Cuba recently?
In 2025, Cuba recorded 750 traffic-related fatalities, marking an increase from 634 deaths in 2024, as reported by the National Road Safety Commission.
What measures are being taken to prevent further accidents?
There is a critical need for improved road maintenance and safety measures on dangerous stretches. However, concrete actions or initiatives from authorities have not been prominently reported.