A public transport bus in Havana caught fire this Tuesday in the Buenavista neighborhood of the Playa municipality, without any reported casualties.
The incident occurred on 70th Street, near 25, when the fire broke out in the engine compartment of the bus, number 507 from the Santa Amalia terminal, which usually operates the P-9 route, but in recent days was making the P-10 route, according to reports on social media.
Although the incident caused alarm among the passengers of the bus, as well as the neighbors and passersby in that area of the Buenavista neighborhood, fortunately no one was injured.
A truck from Command 8 of the Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire, according to the video shared on Facebook by the page La Kinkalla TV.
So far, no official information has been released regarding the causes of the fire.
The accident removes another bus from the already diminished public transportation in the capital, which has been severely affected by the acute national economic crisis, due to the shortage of fuel and the lack of spare parts for the operation of the vehicle fleet.
A post published in the Facebook group “Transportación Habana TH” expressed sorrow over the loss of the vehicle and shared photos of its unfortunate condition. They also expressed hope that it can be recovered and “returns very soon in these difficult times.”
Similar incidents have been reported in recent months across the country, resulting in significant material losses that exacerbate the severe transport crisis, which is hitting the population particularly hard.
In mid-May, a fire broke out on a public transportation bus in Santiago de las Vegas, Havana, due to a broken hose that caused an oil spill over hot parts of the engine. The bus 8188 from the Mulgoba Terminal was on the P16 route when the incident occurred; a day later, it resumed service for the public after being repaired.
A fire that occurred at the National Bus Base in Camagüey at the beginning of last month once again highlighted the security issues affecting the country's public transport system. Three vehicles were completely destroyed by the flames, although, fortunately, no loss of human life was reported.
In February, there were also fires involving military buses and MININT in Santiago de Cuba, as well as another at the Mulgoba Bus Terminal in Boyeros, Havana, which destroyed several vehicles that were out of service and were set to be delivered to the Raw Materials Recovery Company.
Another alarming event involved a Transtur bus transporting 20 Czech tourists, a translator, and two drivers, during an excursion in Topes de Collantes, in the province of Sancti Spíritus. The flames completely destroyed the vehicle, but fortunately, no one was injured.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bus Fire in Havana
What caused the bus fire in Havana?
No official information has been published regarding the specific causes that led to the bus fire in Havana. However, it is common for these incidents in Cuba to be caused by mechanical failures, such as hose ruptures that result in oil spills on hot engine parts, or short circuits in the electrical system. The transportation crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by a lack of maintenance and spare parts, contributes to the increasing frequency of these events.
Were there any injuries in the bus fire in Havana?
No victims or injuries were reported in the bus fire in Havana. The quick response of the firefighters and the evacuation of the passengers helped prevent any injuries. Although alarming, these types of incidents have been managed on several occasions without any loss of life, thanks to the timely action of emergency teams.
How does this incident affect public transportation in Havana?
The fire takes another bus out of circulation from the already dwindling public transport in Havana. The economic crisis in Cuba has severely impacted the transportation system, with an aging fleet and a lack of spare parts. Each incident of this kind worsens the situation for citizens, who face long waits and an increasingly inadequate service. Public transport in Cuba is a critical sector, as many rely on it for their daily mobility.
Are bus fires common in Cuba?
Bus fires in Cuba have become increasingly common. The deterioration of the vehicle fleet, low-quality fuel, and lack of maintenance are factors that contribute to these dangerous incidents. In recent months, several similar accidents have been reported in different provinces, reflecting the vulnerability of the Cuban transportation system.
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