A warm and heartfelt welcome was given this Thursday to bus 1297 in Maisí, Guantánamo, upon its return following the accident that occurred on March 25 on the hazardous La Farola viaduct.
The recognition, shared on Facebook by user Chely Tamayo, was a heartfelt tribute to drivers Luis Antonio Rodríguez Griñán and Bernaldo Bello Barrios, whose actions prevented a tragedy that could have cast a shadow over the entire municipality.
Amid tears of joy and applause from the crowd, the drivers were honored for their resilience, professionalism, and bravery in facing one of the most challenging driving situations possible: a loss of brake system on one of the most winding and complex roads in the country.
Rodríguez Griñán, at the helm of the bus 1246 that was covering the Maisí-Havana route, managed to control the brake-less vehicle for over a kilometer on a steep descent, navigating tight turns and steep inclines, until bringing it to a stop without causing injuries or loss of life. The driver's immediate reaction was crucial in preventing a disaster.
The town of Maisí, grateful, turned the return of the drivers into an act of celebration and recognition. “This welcome is not only seen, but also felt and lived in the hearts of everyone,” expressed Chely Tamayo on the mentioned social network.
The protagonists of the event, still deeply moved, could not hold back their tears upon seeing their community gathered in a sign of gratitude. Many said that their example demonstrates that heroism also manifests in the daily fulfillment of duty with responsibility and a love for life.
The viaduct, an iconic route of communication between Baracoa, the most mountainous municipality in Cuba, and the city of Guantánamo, is also one of the most dangerous stretches in Cuba due to its narrowness, sharp curves, and steep slopes, which require optimal conditions in the vehicles using it and extreme caution from drivers.
Although this time there were no victims, the incident reignites calls for a thorough review of the state of interprovincial transportation and for increased technical controls on the most demanding routes in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the accident avoided at the La Farola viaduct
How did the drivers avert a tragedy in La Farola?
The driver Luis Antonio Rodríguez Griñán managed to stop the bus without brakes by intentionally crashing it against the protective walls, thus preventing a greater tragedy during the dangerous descent of the La Farola viaduct.
What was the community of Maisí's reaction after the incident?
The Maisí community welcomed the drivers with an emotional tribute, expressing gratitude for their bravery and professionalism, turning the return of the drivers into a celebration and recognition for averting a tragedy.
What measures have been taken following the incident at La Farola?
The demand for a thorough review of the state of interprovincial transport has been revived and for increased technical controls on Cuba's most challenging routes, such as La Farola, to prevent future incidents.
What is the significance of the La Farola viaduct in Cuba?
The La Farola viaduct is one of the most iconic and dangerous roads in Cuba, connecting Baracoa with Guantánamo. It is crucial for transportation in the eastern part of the country, but it suffers from maintenance issues and requires extreme caution when traversing it.
Filed under:
