A dramatic accident unfolded on Sunday when a vehicle collided with the guardrail near a bridge on the National Highway in Santiago de Cuba. The car flipped over several times, leaving the driver injured, according to preliminary reports.
Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, an influencer known for covering news in the eastern province of Cuba, reported receiving information from a source about the traffic incident. The crash resulted in injuries to one individual and severe damage to a state-owned vehicle.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the car as having "gone out of control" before striking the protective railing and starting to roll. "No one knows what happened," one witness stated. They, along with others who were traveling in a truck, rushed to provide assistance. "The driver was trapped under the car, and we managed to upright the vehicle to help him," recounted the witness.
A reel shared by Mayeta captures the immediate aftermath, with several people coming to the driver’s aid. The car had tumbled down an embankment, leaving a noticeable trail in the grass, and landed overturned on a flat area of the terrain.
As of the time this report was published, the driver’s health condition is still unknown.
Recent Surge in Road Accidents Across Cuba
The early weeks of 2025 have been marked by a series of accidents on the country's roads, many with tragic outcomes. This follows a year in which, according to official statistics, there was a significant decrease in the number of traffic incidents and casualties.
In January, several mass accidents caused widespread concern. One such accident involved a collision between two tourist worker buses on the road between Morón and the Island of Turiguanó in Ciego de Ávila, resulting in the deaths of seven people and injuries to nearly 60 others, some critically.
In another tragic incident during the same month, six family members lost their lives when their vehicle veered out of control and crashed into a large metal pipe on a road in the municipality of Mayarí in Holguín province.
Last Thursday, a Transtur bus carrying 20 Czech tourists, a translator, and two drivers caught fire and was completely burned near the lookout of Topes de Collantes in Sancti Spíritus province. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries reported.
Throughout 2024, there were 7,507 recorded accidents, resulting in 634 deaths and 6,613 injuries. These figures were lower compared to the previous year, as stated in a report by the Specialized Traffic Agency of the General Directorate of the Revolutionary National Police (PNR).
Authorities have pinpointed drivers as the primary cause of accidents in the country, attributing 30% of these incidents to a lack of attention while driving.
Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Road Accidents in Cuba
What factors are contributing to the rise in road accidents in Cuba?
The increase in road accidents is largely attributed to driver negligence, with 30% of accidents resulting from inattention while driving. Other factors may include poor road conditions and vehicle maintenance issues.
How have accidents impacted traffic safety statistics in Cuba?
Despite a decline in accidents and casualties in 2024, recent incidents in 2025 have raised concerns about road safety. The number of fatal and injurious accidents remains a significant issue in the country.
What measures are being taken to improve road safety in Cuba?
Efforts to enhance road safety focus on increasing driver awareness and accountability. Additionally, authorities are working on improving road infrastructure and enforcing stricter traffic regulations.