Two Weeks After the Cuenca-Molleturo Crash That Killed 14, Survivors Are Still Fighting to Recover
Cuenca Expat Staff
What Happened
On April 15, 2026, a bus operated by Ejecutivo San Luis crashed at kilometer 57 on the Cuenca-Molleturo-El Empalme route. 14 people died. 29 were injured.
The cause remains under investigation — a forensic engineering report was expected this past week.
This is the route connecting Cuenca to the coast. Many expats drive it to reach beaches in Guayas and Santa Elena. It's steep, winding, and — as this crash reminds us — unforgiving when something goes wrong.
The Survivors
John Cedeño, 37, and María Pincay, 22, are from Jipijapa in Manabí province. They were on the bus heading home.
Cedeño suffered deep cuts to his head and severe rib fractures. He spent roughly eight days hospitalized at Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso — where 16 of the injured were treated. He still can't move normally due to fracture risk.
Pincay's injuries were less severe, though the article doesn't minimize them.
Where They Are Now
The couple is recovering in a rented room in Cuenca's La Florida neighborhood, assisted by Cedeño's sister-in-law Ana Pincay. They're far from home, injured, and navigating recovery in an unfamiliar city.
The bus company has provided some economic support and negotiated benefit agreements through their insurance.
What This Means for You
If you drive the Cuenca-Molleturo route to the coast:
- The road itself isn't the problem — it's the speed and condition of the vehicles on it
- If you take buses on this route, check the company's safety record. Ejecutivo San Luis had a catastrophic failure here
- The forensic report should clarify whether this was mechanical failure, driver error, or road conditions. We'll update when it's released
- Consider the Cajas-Naranjal route as an alternative to the coast — longer but less steep and with better-maintained road surfaces
Fourteen people didn't make it home. The survivors are a reminder that this route demands respect — whether you're driving or riding.
Source: El Mercurio
