Short circuit causes fire in a bus in Havana: this is how the vehicle ended up

Fortunately, there were no casualties thanks to the quick action of the firefighters.

Bus fire in HavanaPhoto © Facebook/Transportación Habana TH

Related videos:

On Thursday afternoon, a bus was consumed by fire in Havana, after a .

The bus involved in the accident, identified by the number 5005, belonged to the Business Unit (UEB) Terminal Playa and had been in service at multiple terminals since its arrival in 2007 from the UEB Terminal Lisa.

The profile on Facebook "Transportación Habana TH" expressed sorrow over the loss of the vehicle and highlighted its history in public transportation in the city.

Facebook Capture/Transportation Havana TH

"Yesterday, the beloved bus 5005 made its final journey. This brave companion has been a pillar at multiple terminals, carrying so many people to their destinations," metaphorically stated the profile in a social media announcement.

The fire caused no casualties thanks to the swift intervention of the firefighters, who contained the situation and prevented further damage.

This is how the vehicle looked after the fire

Images of the accident show the bus engulfed in flames during the night, with a fierce fire consuming its entire structure.

Several videos recorded at the moment of the fire show the extent of the blaze, with large flames illuminating the surroundings.

On its part, an image shared after the fire was extinguished shows the devastating condition in which the bus was left: a charred metal structure, without a roof and with the front of the vehicle severely damaged.

The charred remains reflect the intensity of the fire, highlighting the total loss of the unit.

So far, there has been no information on whether authorities have begun an investigation to determine the exact causes of the incident and assess the condition of other public transport units that may exhibit similar faults.

This fire occurs on the same day that a Transtur bus transporting Czech tourists caught fire near the , in the province of Sancti Spíritus, with no casualties reported.

On the bus were 20 tourists, two drivers, and one translator, who were on an excursion to that location in the mountains of the municipality of Trinidad, said Yensy Turiño, director of Transtur in Sancti Spíritus, to the official newspaper Escambray.

The vehicle was completely burned, and the tourists lost some of their luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fires and Bus Accidents in Cuba

What caused the bus fire in Havana?

The bus fire in Havana was caused by a short circuit in the vehicle's electrical system. Fortunately, there were no casualties thanks to the quick response of the Cuban Fire Department. This event underscores the importance of proper maintenance of the electrical systems in public transportation vehicles.

What other similar incidents have occurred in Cuba recently?

In addition to the fire in Havana, on the same day a Transtur bus transporting Czech tourists caught fire near Topes de Collantes in Sancti Spíritus, also without causing any casualties. Vehicle fires have become frequent in Cuba, raising concerns among the population about the possible lack of maintenance and the use of low-quality fuels.

What measures are being taken to prevent these incidents?

Until now, there has been no official report indicating whether Cuban authorities have initiated a formal investigation to determine the exact causes of the recent incidents and assess the condition of other public transportation units. The lack of clear responses from the government fuels speculation about the poor technical state of the vehicle fleet in the country.

What risks do tourists face when traveling by bus in Cuba?

Traveling by bus in Cuba can involve risks due to the frequency of fires and accidents on the roads. Recently, a Transtur bus carrying tourists experienced a fire, and another serious accident in Cienfuegos resulted in two fatalities. These incidents highlight the need to improve safety in tourist transportation on the island.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.