An overnight collision occurred when Viazul bus number 890, en route from Santiago de Cuba to Havana, struck a stationary EsAzúcar company truck on the Central Highway. The truck had stopped due to technical issues.
The accident took place at kilometer 544 in the San Blas area of Florida municipality, within Camagüey province, resulting in one fatality and eight injuries.
According to Radio Camagüey, the crash happened between 6:15 and 6:30 in the morning. The deceased was identified as Oney Castillo Matos, a 39-year-old mechanic who was attending to the disabled truck at the time of the accident.
Journalist José L. Tan Estrada reported that a dense morning fog reduced visibility, preventing the bus driver from noticing the parked truck in time.
The bus had departed Santiago de Cuba at 10:00 p.m. on Monday, carrying nine passengers when the collision occurred.
Medical reports confirm that none of the eight injured are in life-threatening condition. The most seriously injured patient has a pelvic fracture but no head or chest trauma. She is stable and under joint care from orthopedic and intensive care specialists. A CT scan is being coordinated to determine the appropriate treatment.
Following the accident, a collaboration between the National Bus Company and Viazul ensured the onward travel of passengers who were able to continue to their destinations.
This incident is part of a series of serious accidents in Camagüey, making it a critical area for road safety issues in Cuba.
Earlier this year, in January, a bus overturned at the Curva de Ignacio, kilometer 595 in Jimaguayú municipality, resulting in two deaths, including a seven-year-old child, and more than 30 injuries.
In February, another bus overturned in Cascorro, Guáimaro, involving 56 people, with five seriously injured and seven pregnant women impacted.
In late September, Florida municipality saw a sugar-laden trailer tip over in the urban center, knocking down a power pole but causing no injuries.
The Central Highway bears a significant volume of interprovincial traffic under poor maintenance conditions, and morning fog is a recurring hazard in Camagüey, especially during early hours.
Key Questions about Traffic Safety in Camagüey
What caused the Viazul bus accident in Camagüey?
The accident was caused by the Viazul bus colliding with a stationary EsAzúcar company truck, which had stopped due to mechanical issues. Morning fog reduced visibility, contributing to the crash.
How many people were affected in the Viazul bus accident?
The collision resulted in one death and eight injuries. The deceased was a mechanic attending to the broken-down truck.
What are the road safety conditions like in Camagüey?
Camagüey has become a critical area for road safety, with a history of serious accidents. Poor road maintenance and frequent fog contribute to the dangerous conditions.