Runaway bus kills five on Cuenca’s westside

Five people are dead and another 10 are injured after a bus crashed into vehicles and buildings in the Sayausí community early Saturday. The bus driver, who was injured in the accident, claimed his brakes failed as he entered the commercial district of Sayausí, on Av. Ordoñez Lasso.

Two people died in a taxi Saturday morning in Sayausí when it was crushed by a runaway bus.

Residents describe an “apocalyptic scene” following the accident that occurred just after 8. Police report that the bus struck at least nine vehicles and glanced off buildings, taking down two power polls, before smashing into a taxi and coming to a stop.

In addition to the driver, there were only two passengers on the bus, both of whom are among the injured.

The dead included a pedestrian, two people on a motorcycle and two passengers in the taxi. At least two of the injured are reported to be in critical condition in a Cuenca hospital.

Following a records check, police said the bus, part of the Pascuales Cooperative, was not licensed to operate in Azuay Province. The cooperative had started the application process to provide inter-provincial service, but it had not yet been completed. Records also show that the bus and driver were involved in another accident in December, in Guayaquil.

When the driver recovers from his injuries, he will be held in preventive detention until the investigation of the accident is concluded. Depending on the findings, he could be charged in the death of the victims.