On Sunday evening, two trucks loaded with refrigerated goods collided on the Central Highway in Camagüey. The incident, attributed to the deteriorating state of the road, fortunately resulted in no casualties, according to a statement from Guáimaro's Civil Defense.
The crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. at kilometer 644 of the Central Highway, near the “Así será” farm, managed by the Rectángulo Agricultural Company. The collision led to a spill of hydrocarbons and oil, as stated in the official note shared on Facebook.
The Civil Defense's preliminary report highlighted that the poor condition of the highway caused an international leased truck, traveling from Cienfuegos to Santiago de Cuba, to crash into a Renault truck operated by Havana's UCM Company, also heading to the eastern province.
Both heavy vehicles were transporting refrigerated products, which seemingly remained undamaged. However, the accident resulted in significant hydrocarbon and oil spillage, according to the authorities.
Photos from the scene reveal that one of the trucks sustained severe damage to its chassis, hood, and cabin. The drivers and their companions were taken to Enrique Armando Cardoso Hospital for evaluation but were found to be in good health, the statement confirmed.
The Sibanicú Fire Department responded to clean up the roadway. The highway was temporarily closed, and the agricultural company set up a detour across the “Así será” farm while awaiting a tow truck to remove the damaged vehicle.
As of now, the extent of the material losses from the accident has not been disclosed. Cuban authorities have consistently held drivers accountable for the majority of traffic accidents in the country, often downplaying the significant role of poor road conditions in such incidents.
On Monday, Transportation Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila reiterated that human error remains the leading cause of accidents in Cuba, citing alarming statistics: 92% of accidents, 98% of fatalities, and 91% of injuries.
Earlier this year, in January, a truck carrying chicken overturned in the Río Piedras locality of Guanabacoa, Havana. This incident occurred on a narrow, poorly paved road curve near the intersection of Monumental with the road to Santa María del Rosario, suggesting that road conditions, alongside excessive speed, may have contributed to the accident.
Insights on Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What caused the truck collision in Camagüey?
The collision was primarily attributed to the poor condition of the Central Highway.
Were there any casualties in the Camagüey truck accident?
No, there were no casualties reported in the accident.
How are Cuban authorities addressing road safety issues?
Cuban authorities often emphasize human error as the main cause of accidents, with less focus on road conditions.