Irish national among 16 hurt in Cuba bus crash

An Irish national and two Britons are among 16 tourists injured when their bus overturned on a road in Cuba.

Local reports said the government-operated vehicle left the road and overturned on Thursday evening local time, between Trinidad and Varadero, two major tourist destinations.

Nineteen people were said to be on board the bus at the time. The others injured were said to be two Czech nationals, four Dutch, one Filipino and six Russians. State-run newspaper Cinco de Septiembre said three of the tourists were considered to be in a serious condition.

Two underwent surgery and are in intensive care at a hospital in Cienfuegos.

It is not clear how seriously injured the Irish national is. A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said the closest Irish embassy to the collision - in Mexico - had not been contacted by the person involved in the crash.

In a statement, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We are aware of a bus crash involving British nationals between Trinidad and Varadero in Cuba on the evening of July 4th.

“Our embassy in Havana is in close contact with local authorities. “Consular officials are on their way to the area to provide assistance if needed.”

PA