On the morning of March 1, a privately-owned truck dramatically overturned on Cuba's National Highway near the entrance to the municipality of Taguasco in Sancti Spíritus. Initial reports suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in it tipping over onto one of its sides. While the precise cause of the accident remains unknown, witnesses have speculated that a mechanical failure or a sudden maneuver may have been responsible.
Photos of the incident, shared on the Facebook page ‘La Tijera’, depicted several passersby and drivers from other vehicles stopping to assist those trapped inside the truck's cab. Some individuals climbed onto the truck to help the occupants escape. As of now, there is no official information regarding the health of the driver and any passengers, although comments on social media suggest there were no injuries.
This crash is part of a troubling pattern of traffic accidents in Cuba over recent months, many involving heavy trucks. In mid-February, another truck overturned on the Central Highway in Camagüey province. Despite the severity of the incident, which was captured on a security camera, there were no injuries, although there were material damages, according to social media reports. The accident occurred near the CUPET gas station by the exit of Camagüey city.
In late January, a trailer carrying a container overturned on a bridge in Havana. This happened on the highway leading to Pinar del Río and Avenue 114. Social media reports indicated no injuries, only material damages, although it's unclear if the vehicle was carrying cargo.
Prior to that, a collision between two trucks left one overturned on the road connecting Las Tunas to Camagüey. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and it seems that thick fog was a contributing factor. Around the same time, a trailer transporting chicken tipped over in Río Piedras, a locality in Guanabacoa. Despite the dramatic scene, there were no injuries, and the cargo remained intact.
On December 14, 2024, a truck carrying goods overturned in Antilla, Holguín, crashing into a power pole near a warehouse. The driver and three others were en route to sell products at a local fair. One passenger was hospitalized in Banes but was reportedly recovering.
Just a week prior, a trailer overturned in Loma de Rejondones, Báguanos, Holguín. Although there were no fatalities, the vehicle sustained significant damage. Witnesses noted that the truck, operated by individuals from Artemisa, overturned while descending a challenging stretch of road known for its steep inclines and sharp curves. A day later, another truck accident occurred in the same area, resulting in two fatalities and five injuries.
At the end of November, a trailer overturned on the Central Highway in Ciego de Ávila. Fortunately, both the driver and a passenger were unharmed, though there was a significant traffic congestion due to the overturned refrigerated container. Just days earlier, a modern trailer, allegedly rented by the Cuban Tínima beer factory, overturned in Camagüey. Social media reported the incident with images and videos, revealing only material damages as the two vehicle occupants were unharmed.
These incidents highlight a worrisome trend on Cuban roads, where factors such as poor road conditions, vehicle wear and tear, and sometimes reckless driving contribute significantly to traffic accidents.
Understanding the Rise in Truck Accidents in Cuba
What are the main causes of truck accidents in Cuba?
The primary causes of truck accidents in Cuba include poor road conditions, vehicle wear and tear, mechanical failures, and sometimes reckless driving practices.
Has there been an increase in traffic accidents involving trucks in Cuba?
Yes, there has been a noticeable increase in traffic accidents involving trucks in Cuba, particularly over the past few months.