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An accident that could have ended in tragedy was averted on Tuesday thanks to the quick reaction of the driver of a bus that lost its brakes while descending the dangerous La Farola viaduct in eastern Cuba.
According to the Provincial Transport Directorate of Guantánamo on their Facebook page, the incident occurred in the afternoon, in the section known as "Veguita".
The bus number 1246, which was operating the Maisí-Havana route, experienced brake system failure while traveling on one of the country's most complex and winding roads.
According to the testimony of several passengers, the driver, Luis Antonio Rodríguez Griñán, managed to maintain control of the vehicle for over a kilometer, navigating sharp turns and steep slopes until he was able to bring it to a stop without any injuries or loss of life.
"The driver acted with agility and skill, which prevented greater harm," highlighted the official statement.
No injuries were reported, and the passengers were transferred to another means of transportation to continue their journey to the capital.
The municipal and provincial authorities arrived at the scene and measures were taken to ensure the safety of travelers.
The incident generated comments of relief, but also concern among Cubans, many of whom question the technical condition of the buses and the lack of preventive maintenance on high-risk routes like La Farola.
"I was traveling on the bus and it was very difficult what we went through; thanks to that young driver, all 43 of us on the bus were saved," commented a passenger.
"I am your father. I give a thousand thanks to my great Lord for protecting you every second while you made that incredible maneuver to save all those lives on the bus—children, elderly people—those lives that were witnesses to that tragic moment. Thank you, dear son. That is the work of the great Lord, whom I have always taught you to believe in," said the emotionally moved father of the driver.
"Thank God there were no major issues, but we need to reflect and draw the attention of national transport leaders to provide a bus that meets the requirements for this route, as the conditions demand it," noted a resident of Baracoa.
The viaduct, an iconic route connecting Baracoa, the most mountainous municipality in Cuba, with the city of Guantánamo, is also one of the most dangerous stretches in Cuba due to its narrowness, tight curves, and steep inclines, which require optimal conditions in the vehicles that traverse it and utmost caution from drivers.
Although there were no victims this time, the incident renews calls for a thorough review of the state of interprovincial transport and for greater technical controls on the country's more demanding routes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the accident on the La Farola viaduct
What happened to the bus on the La Farola viaduct?
The bus lost its brakes while descending the dangerous viaduct of La Farola in eastern Cuba. Thanks to the quick reaction of the driver, Luis Antonio Rodríguez Griñán, the vehicle was stopped without any injuries or loss of life.
Why is the La Farola viaduct dangerous?
The La Farola viaduct is one of the most dangerous roads in Cuba due to its narrowness, sharp curves, and steep slopes. These characteristics require optimal conditions in the vehicles that traverse it and extreme caution from drivers.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety at La Farola?
The authorities have begun to implement weight restrictions for vehicles traveling on the viaduct, and technical assessments are being conducted to evaluate and repair the damage caused by Hurricane Oscar. Additionally, efforts are underway to rehabilitate alternative routes to ensure connectivity in the region.
What is the current state of interprovincial transport in Cuba?
Interprovincial transport in Cuba faces serious difficulties due to the lack of vehicle maintenance and the poor condition of the roads, worsened by climatic events such as Hurricane Oscar. Multiple accidents have been reported, and there is a call to improve road safety in the country.
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