"We were reborn," expressed a deeply moved Luis Antonio Rodríguez Griñán, the young bus driver who heroically saved 45 passengers by skillfully maneuvering a bus with failed brakes down the perilous slopes of La Farola in Guantánamo. The incident took place this past Tuesday, as bus number 1246, traveling the Maisí–Havana route, departed shortly after 2:20 p.m.
The driver recounted to local media that the bus underwent a technical check before departure, revealing no issues. However, as they began the descent on La Farola—a notoriously challenging road in Cuba—the brakes ceased to function. Demonstrating nerves of steel, Rodríguez navigated through approximately ten sharp curves in the segment known as "La Veguita."
In a desperate attempt to stop the bus, he deliberately collided with protective barriers at the edge of the abyss, averting what could have been a catastrophic accident. This remarkable story was shared by journalist Orlando Amaro Álvarez Álvarez on social media, who dubbed Rodríguez "The Conqueror of Death" and announced a special feature for the state-run CMKC station in Santiago de Cuba.
Following the harrowing event, the courageous driver was met with hugs, tears, and heartfelt gratitude from the passengers, who praised his bravery both in person and online. According to several passengers' accounts, Rodríguez managed to keep the bus under control for over a kilometer, negotiating tight turns and steep declines, ultimately bringing it to a halt without any injuries or fatalities.
"The driver acted with agility and skill, preventing a greater disaster," noted an official statement from the Provincial Transport Directorate of Guantánamo. No injuries were reported, and the passengers were transferred to another vehicle to continue their journey to the capital.
"I was on the bus, and it was incredibly difficult what we went through. Thanks to that young driver, we were saved," a passenger shared.
"I am his father, and I thank my Lord a thousand times for protecting him every second during that great maneuver to save all those lives on the bus, including children and the elderly. Thank you, dear son, this is the work of the great Lord I have always taught you to believe in," said the emotional father of the driver.
"Thank God there were no major injuries, but this must be a wake-up call for national transport leaders to ensure that buses meeting safety standards are assigned to this route, given the conditions," a resident from Baracoa remarked.
FAQs on Cuban Bus Safety and Heroic Acts
What happened to the bus on La Farola?
The bus experienced brake failure while descending the treacherous La Farola road, but the driver, Luis Antonio Rodríguez Griñán, managed to avert disaster by skillfully steering and using protective barriers to stop the vehicle.
Were there any injuries reported from the incident?
No injuries were reported, and all passengers were safely transferred to another vehicle to continue their journey.
How did passengers and officials react to the driver's actions?
Passengers expressed immense gratitude, acknowledging the driver's bravery both in person and on social media. Officials highlighted his quick thinking and skill in preventing a larger disaster.