The provincial authorities of Las Tunas provided an update on Saturday regarding the condition of those injured in a severe traffic accident that took place in the early morning hours on the Central Highway. The accident involved a collision between two passenger buses.
The incident occurred at Kilometer 688 in the town of La Estrella, when a Transmetro Yutong bus from Havana and a rented Diana bus from Granma province collided. The crash resulted in injuries to 13 individuals, with 12 of them sustaining serious injuries and one remaining in critical condition.
While most of the injured suffered non-life-threatening bruises, Jose Luis Victoria Peña, a 57-year-old from Havana, is in critical condition. He has been diagnosed with a splenic hematoma, acute surgical abdomen, and a ruptured left kidney.
The report indicates that he requires a splenectomy and nephrectomy. The injured individuals include:
- Adelaida Pérez Martínez (55, Las Tunas): Left Colex fracture.
- Humberto Céspedes Pérez (24, Las Tunas): Multiple contusions.
- Niurka Torres Rosa (48, Las Tunas): Multiple contusions.
- Yordanis Arzuaga Reyes (43, Granma): Multiple contusions and left knee dislocation.
- Maribel Céspedes Lagomarcines (55, Santiago de Cuba): Multiple contusions, minor head trauma.
- Mercedes Ramona López Paneca (61, Camagüey): Multiple contusions.
- José Antonio Ricardo Ricardo (53, Camagüey): Multiple contusions.
- Ricardo Hernández Acevedo (38, Camagüey): Multiple contusions.
- Madelaine Cruz Montero (27, Camagüey): Multiple contusions.
- Edisbel Áreas Ramírez (35, Granma): Multiple contusions.
- Jose Luis Victoria Peña (57, Havana): Splenic hematoma, acute surgical abdomen, and ruptured left kidney. Requires splenectomy and nephrectomy, in critical condition.
- Rusbeida Hernández Cruz (3, Camagüey): In stable condition.
- Madelin Jerez Portales (40, Ciego de Ávila): Multiple contusions.
Dr. Marianela Zapata Romero, the hospital's director, assured that the facility is equipped with the necessary medical staff and supplies to provide proper care to those affected.
Meanwhile, authorities are investigating the causes behind this accident. Earlier in January, the Cuban government attributed the majority of traffic accidents in 2024 to driver negligence, based on a report by the Revolutionary National Police (PNR).
The primary violations cited were lack of attention while driving, failure to yield the right of way, and speeding.
Key Questions About the Las Tunas Bus Crash
What caused the bus crash in Las Tunas?
The exact cause of the crash is currently under investigation by authorities. However, driver negligence has been a common factor in many traffic accidents in Cuba.
How many people were injured in the accident?
A total of 13 people were injured in the collision, with 12 sustaining serious injuries and one in critical condition.
Who is the most critically injured passenger?
Jose Luis Victoria Peña, a 57-year-old resident of Havana, is the most critically injured. He has a splenic hematoma, acute surgical abdomen, and a ruptured left kidney and requires surgery.