Fire at Camagüey transportation base destroys three interprovincial buses

A new fire at a bus depot in Cuba has once again highlighted the security issues plaguing the country's public transportation system.

This time, the incident occurred on the night of Monday at the Base Business Unit (UEB) National Buses Camagüey, where three vehicles were completely destroyed by the flames.

The fire broke out shortly after 8:00 PM in the workshop area, where one of the buses began to catch fire due to causes that are still unknown.

The fire quickly spread to two other vehicles nearby, creating a highly tense scene that was only contained thanks to the swift intervention of the firefighters.

According to the official newspaper Adelante, the fire was ultimately brought under control and there were no reported human casualties, although the material damages are severe.

The three burned vehicles were assigned to the Camagüey-Matanzas, Camagüey-Guantánamo routes, and to freight services, which worsens the already critical situation of interprovincial transportation in Cuba.

In a country where each functioning bus represents a scarce and strategic resource, the loss of these vehicles signifies a significant blow to the mobility of its citizens.

Representatives from the Party, the provincial government, and the Ministry of the Interior attended the event.

AUTHORITIES ASSURE THAT THE SERVICE WILL REMAIN STABLE

At the end of this report, transportation authorities stated that despite the severity of the incident and the total loss of three buses, the planned routes from the province will not be affected.

This was reported by Reinier Gómez Muñoz, director of the Business Unit located in the Jayamá district, who explained that the proper technical availability of the vehicle fleet will allow for the maintenance of regular service, including transfers and freight.

According to him, that operational capacity ensures the continuity of scheduled routes without interruptions.

According to the executive, the fire started in one of the vehicles and spread to the other two that were in the workshop, located about three meters apart. The buses were in the process of being repaired.

The situation was contained by members of the Fire Department of the Ministry of the Interior, who requested support from water trucks from various areas of the city.

Once the fire was controlled, it was possible to assess the severe damage suffered by the crashed vehicles. The damage included windows, bodies, seats, curtains, and other components, rendering the structures practically unusable.

Authorities announced an investigation to determine the causes of the fire.

CHAIN OF FIRES IN CUBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

This new incident adds to a series of similar events that have occurred in the past year, highlighting both the vulnerability of the vehicle fleet and the precarious conditions in which many public transportation units in Cuba operate.

In February, a short circuit caused the fire of a bus in La Habana belonging to Terminal Playa. The bus, identified by the number 5005, was completely destroyed; however, fortunately, no casualties were reported.

In October 2023, another unit - this time from route P11 at the Alamar terminal - was engulfed by fire one early morning in the municipality of Habana del Este. The vehicle was left a burned-out shell, with no details provided regarding the causes.

During that year, fires were also reported in transport vehicles in Baracoa, Havana, and Artemisa. In all cases, the intervention of firefighters prevented loss of life, but the material damages have been irreversible.

The images shared by witnesses and local media show similar scenes: large columns of black smoke, charred bus chassis, and unrecognizable metal bodies.

Although authorities always promise investigations in each case, clear conclusions about the causes behind these incidents have not yet been disclosed.

However, specialists and citizens point to factors such as the deterioration of electrical systems, lack of preventive maintenance, poor fuel quality, and the age of many buses as constant risk elements.

The transportation crisis in Cuba has deepened due to fuel shortages, a lack of spare parts, and outdated infrastructure.

In this context, the loss of three buses in Camagüey represents much more than an isolated accident: it is another sign of a system on the brink of collapse, where passengers must endure long waits, overcrowding, and now also the fear that a routine journey could end in tragedy.

The country continues to wait for fundamental solutions to an issue that affects millions of Cubans. In the meantime, each new fire not only destroys vehicles but also further diminishes the already scarce hope for dignified mobility on the Island.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fires in Public Transport in Cuba