Yannelis Pérez Osorio, a 33-year-old Cuban woman who had been in critical condition following a severe accident early Sunday morning that initially claimed five lives, has passed away due to the severity of her injuries. This update was provided by journalist Emilio Rodríguez Pupo, who first reported the tragic incident.
Rodríguez Pupo detailed that Pérez Osorio, who had been transported to a hospital in the main municipality of Holguín, died at 11:20 a.m. local time. The catastrophic crash occurred in the early hours of Sunday in the Castillito area, within the Mayarí municipality of Holguín province, resulting in a total of six fatalities, including a 12-year-old child.
Among the deceased, three were United States residents visiting Cuba. The accident happened around 1:00 a.m. on January 26 when a tourist rental car traveling from Holguín city to Moa, with six passengers on board, lost control while crossing the Castillito bridge and collided with a large metal pipe. Images shared by activist Irma Broek depicted the vehicle overturned.
The initial five victims were identified as follows: Yancarlos Jiménez Carmenate, a 12-year-old residing in the United States; Daniuska Carmenate Galván, 43, also from the United States; Adriel Jiménez Pelegrín, 37, a U.S. resident; Rachel Pelegrín González, 77, from Las Coloradas, Moa municipality; and Yaddelis Pérez Osorio, 37, from Las Coloradas, Moa municipality.
In another vehicular incident reported by Rodríguez Pupo, a port Moa vehicle overturned after the driver swerved off the road to avoid a bicyclist. January has been particularly deadly on Cuban roads. However, data from the National Road Safety Commission indicates that last year saw 7,507 traffic accidents, a 12% reduction from the 8,556 reported in 2023. Furthermore, fatalities decreased by 13% to 634, and injuries saw a 4% decline, totaling 6,613 compared to the previous year.
Authorities maintain that major contributing factors include driver violations, poor road conditions due to lack of maintenance, and the aging vehicle fleet, with an average age between 40 and 70 years.
Understanding the Causes Behind Cuba's Traffic Accidents
What were the main causes of the traffic accident in Mayarí?
The accident occurred when the tourist rental car lost control while crossing a bridge and collided with a large metal pipe, leading to the vehicle overturning.
How have traffic accident statistics changed in Cuba over recent years?
In 2022, Cuba saw a 12% reduction in traffic accidents compared to 2023, with fatality rates decreasing by 13% and injuries down by 4%.
What factors are contributing to road safety issues in Cuba?
Authorities cite driver violations, poor road maintenance, and an aging vehicle fleet as primary contributors to traffic accidents in Cuba.