The number of fatalities from the bus accident that occurred early Sunday morning in Granma province rose to three on Monday, following the confirmation of the death of Alien Pérez Quesada, the driver of the vehicle.
The information was confirmed on social media by Yudelkis Ortiz, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Granma.
"This morning we learned of the passing of Alien Pérez Quesada, a patient who had been reported as critically unstable due to the accident that occurred in Granma Province in the early hours of Sunday," the leader stated on Facebook.
"As a result of this unfortunate event, there are now three reported fatalities," added the official. Pérez was the driver of the bus at the time of the incident.
Her death occurred hours after local authorities reported the passing of two other individuals involved in the incident, who were identified as Aracelis Torres Almarales, 60 years old, and Ismael Gómez de la Masa Areces, 51 years old.
The tragic traffic accident occurred early this Sunday, resulting in a preliminary toll of two fatalities and at least 27 injured, at kilometer 727 of the Bayamo-Las Tunas highway, in the province of Granma.
The incident involved a bus rented by the National Center for Scientific Research (CNIC) of BioCubaFarma, which was operating the route from Havana to Santiago de Cuba.
According to preliminary reports from the official broadcaster CNC TV Granma, the driver of the vehicle lost control and ended up crashing into a fixed obstacle, causing severe damage to the front of the bus.
One of the victims died at the scene of the accident, while the second later died at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Provincial Hospital in Bayamo, where all the injured were taken.
Among the injured is at least one minor, as confirmed by official sources.
Hours before the death of the bus driver involved in the accident was confirmed, Ortiz had reported that ten people remained hospitalized at the Provincial Carlos Manuel de Céspedes.
The official emphasized that among the hospitalized patients, four were in serious condition and six were under medical observation, including a 10-year-old girl.
"Everyone is still under the meticulous care of our health personnel," the official said, confirming that there are 16 patients who have been discharged and mostly transferred to Santiago de Cuba.
Passenger testimonies like that of Yorisel Andino, a survivor and director of the Dolores Concert Hall, recount the panic experienced.
On social media, she recounted how, amid the chaos and darkness, she was focused solely on saving her daughter. "It was inevitable that it would happen," she wrote, also denouncing reckless driving before the impact.
Authorities are investigating the causes of the accident and have reiterated the call to strengthen road safety measures.
Frequently Asked Questions about the bus accident in Granma
How many people died in the bus accident in Granma?
The bus accident in Granma resulted in the death of three people. Initially, two fatalities were reported, but the driver, Alien Pérez Quesada, later passed away, bringing the total to three.
What was the cause of the bus accident in Granma?
The accident was due to the driver losing control of the vehicle and ended up crashing into a fixed obstacle. Survivor testimonies suggest that reckless driving may have been a contributing factor.
How many people were injured in the Granma accident?
The accident left at least 27 people injured. Some of them were taken to the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Provincial Hospital in Bayamo, where it was reported that six of the injured required surgical intervention.
What measures are being taken to investigate the accident in Granma?
The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) is in charge of the investigation to determine the exact causes of the accident. Authorities have emphasized the importance of enhancing road safety measures.
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