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A public service bus caught fire on Friday night in Santiago de las Vegas, Havana.
"On the night of this Friday, bus 8188 from the Mulgoba Terminal, which was covering the P16 route to the entrance of Santiago de las Vegas, experienced a small fire at the rear," reported the Provincial Transport Company in a note on Facebook.
The note assures that "the fire outbreak" did not damage "the structure of the vehicle" nor were there any injuries or "loss of life."
“Thanks to the swift action of his driver with the fire extinguisher, the local residents and the firefighters quickly extinguished the fire,” adds the information.
"The bus 8188 suffered a breakdown due to a hose rupture, which spilled oil over some components that caused a small fire and a lot of white smoke, which was promptly controlled without serious damage to the vehicle. We appreciate your concern, and it is our duty to keep you informed," commented on the causes a government-affiliated profile.
Vehicle fires are becoming increasingly common in Cuba, primarily due to the poor condition of the automotive fleet and the low quality of the fuel.
In February, a fire consumed a bus also used for public transportation in Havana, after a short circuit in the vehicle's electrical system sparked the flames.
The bus involved in the accident, identified by the number 5005, belonged to the Base Business Unit (UEB) Playa Terminal and had been in service at various terminals since its arrival in 2007 from the UEB Terminal Lisa.
The fire did not result in any casualties, thanks to the quick intervention of the firefighters, who managed the situation and prevented further damage.
On that same date, a Transtur bus carrying Czech tourists caught fire near the viewpoint of Topes de Collantes, in the province of Sancti Spíritus, with no reported casualties.
In 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.
The vehicle was completely burned, and the tourists lost some of their luggage.
Bus Fires in Havana and Public Transportation Issues in Cuba
What caused the bus fire in Havana?
The fire on bus 8188 was caused by a broken hose that spilled oil onto some equipment, igniting a small fire and producing a lot of white smoke. Fortunately, it was quickly controlled thanks to the intervention of the driver, local residents, and firefighters.
Are vehicle fires common in Cuba?
Yes, vehicle fires have become increasingly common in Cuba, mainly due to the poor condition of the vehicle fleet and the low quality of fuel. These incidents have raised significant concern among the population and highlight issues related to maintenance and safety in public transport.
Were there any injuries in the fire on bus 8188?
Fortunately, there were no injuries or loss of life in the fire of bus 8188. The quick actions of the driver and the firefighters helped to control the situation without any personal harm.
What measures is the Cuban government taking in response to these incidents?
Until now, no concrete measures have been reported by the Cuban government to address the frequency of these fires. The public is demanding transparency and effective actions to improve vehicle maintenance and prevent future incidents.
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