A truck carrying goods caught fire early this morning on the National Highway, as reported by a user in the Facebook group Accidentes Buses & Camiones. "The tire on the driver's side blew out, causing the truck to veer into the bridge's supports. This happened around 1 a.m. at km 212," shared Rafael Castillo on social media, along with a photo depicting the heavy vehicle ablaze.
The same source confirmed that both drivers inside the truck escaped unharmed. A video shared in the mentioned group, recorded during daylight, revealed the extensive material damage inflicted not only on the truck but also on the goods it carried, which were scattered across the ground.
It remains unclear what the truck was transporting. Based on appearances, they could have been packages of Golden Phoenix chicken, although the witness who shared the photo of the fire mentioned they were "elbows" (likely referring to a type of pasta).
Location and Circumstances of the Incident
The incident took place at kilometer 212 of the National Highway, a stretch within the province of Cienfuegos. This area has been a site of frequent accidents, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on Cuban roads.
Accident Trends in Cuba
Despite the lack of recent updates, Cuban authorities reported at the beginning of July that there were 543 fewer accidents in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period the previous year. During an official broadcast of the program Mesa Redonda, Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, head of the Specialized Traffic Body of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), stated there were also 81 fewer fatalities (a 23% decrease) and a reduction of 151 injuries (5%) between January and June of this year compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions about the National Highway Incident
What caused the truck fire on the National Highway?
The fire was caused by a tire blowout on the driver's side, which led the truck to crash into the bridge supports.
Were there any casualties in the truck fire incident?
Fortunately, both drivers in the truck escaped without injuries.
What was the truck carrying when it caught fire?
The exact cargo is not confirmed, but it might have been packages of Golden Phoenix chicken or possibly pasta referred to as "elbows."