The death toll from the tragic bus collision in Camagüey on Friday has risen to three, following the passing of another passenger. The latest victim, Damaris Reyes Rodríguez, aged 49 and a resident of Bayamo, Granma, was in critical condition at the Manuel Ascunce Domenech Provincial Hospital.
Rodolfo E. Domínguez Rosabal, the hospital's director, stated that out of 52 patients admitted, three remain in critical condition with their lives at risk. Another patient is in serious condition, while the rest are under observation as their injuries are monitored. Of the seven children treated at the Pediatric Hospital, five have been discharged, and two remain hospitalized but are not in life-threatening condition.
The authorities have identified the first two victims: Georgina Barrero Gutiérrez, 49, from Pilón, Granma, who was also admitted, and Julio Idóneo Torres Reyes, 56, from Havana, who was driving one of the buses.
The Circumstances of the Collision
The devastating crash took place on the highway toward Florida municipality on Friday, shortly after 7:00 pm. Two Yutong buses collided on Camagüey's Western Ring Road, near the embarkation point to the western highway. One bus, a leased Transmetro vehicle, was traveling from Songo La Maya, Santiago de Cuba, while the other was transporting workers from a Military Construction Unit.
A source close to the scene informed independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada that the crash might have been caused by one driver's unfamiliarity with the area, leading him to disregard a stop sign when merging onto the Central Highway. "This area is very dark, like all points of the city's ring road," the source commented.
Community Response and Support
In response to the severity of the accident, health authorities in the province have appealed to the public to donate blood for the injured.
Key Details About the Camagüey Bus Accident
What caused the Camagüey bus accident?
The accident was reportedly caused by one driver's unfamiliarity with the area, leading him to ignore a stop sign when merging onto the Central Highway.
How many people were affected by the Camagüey bus crash?
A total of 52 patients were hospitalized, with three in critical condition and one in serious condition. Seven children were also treated, five of whom have been discharged.
Who were the victims identified in the Camagüey bus accident?
The identified victims include Damaris Reyes Rodríguez, Georgina Barrero Gutiérrez, and Julio Idóneo Torres Reyes, the latter being the driver of one of the buses.