A tragic road accident on Monday afternoon claimed the life of one individual and left another injured in Matanzas province. The incident involved a fuel tanker from the TransCupet Company in Matanzas, bearing license plate B233 908, which was transporting around 17,000 liters of warehouse alcohol intended for retail outlets, according to local media reports.
The crash took place on the South Highway, connecting the municipalities of Colón and Calimete. Preliminary reports indicate that the accident occurred when the tanker driver attempted to navigate through a section of the road with poor visibility caused by a fire in the ditch. Amidst the thick smoke, the driver encountered another vehicle and lost control of the tanker while trying to avoid a collision.
The tanker veered off the road and struck a pole, causing it to overturn in the fiery area. The flammable cargo ignited instantly, setting the vehicle ablaze.
Firefighting and Rescue Efforts
The fire created a complex situation that necessitated the urgent response of five specialized fire trucks from the Colón, Calimete, Cárdenas, and Matanzas fire departments. A total of 23 personnel worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames. Additionally, four water supply trucks from the local economy assisted, along with officers from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and the Colón Risk Reduction Management Center.
Social media reports and eyewitness accounts revealed that the truck's co-driver was trapped inside the vehicle's cabin and was unable to escape in time, resulting in their death. The driver, who sustained injuries, was taken to a medical facility, though their current condition remains undisclosed. The identities of those involved in the accident have not been released.
Following the incident, authorities from both municipalities' Party and Government, along with CUPET Company officials, coordinated efforts to remove the wrecked vehicle after the fire was put out. The tragic event stirred emotions among social media users who expressed their sorrow over the loss of life and the shocking images of the accident. However, some criticized individuals who, instead of helping or respecting the tragedy, chose to record videos and take photos to share online.
Traffic Accidents in Cuba
Recently, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the Minister of Transport, reported on Facebook that as of the end of January, there were 87 fewer accidents (422) and two fewer injuries (552) compared to the same period in 2024. However, the number of fatalities rose to 65, six more than in the similar period of 2024. January also saw five severe accidents, resulting in 19 deaths and 173 injuries, mostly affecting young people aged 21 to 35 (30%) and those under 18 (10%).
The minister noted that 80% of these incidents occurred in rural areas, on roads in good condition with favorable weather, underscoring that human error is the primary trigger. The most common type of accident remains vehicle collisions, with 260 cases, 28 deaths, and 226 injuries. Following these, rollovers account for 67 accidents, 13 deaths, and 125 injuries, while pedestrian accidents result in 66 incidents, 9 deaths, and 63 injuries. Pedestrian accidents are considered the most dangerous, with an average of two occurring daily in the country and one fatality every six days, predominantly in urban areas of Havana, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba.
Rodríguez stressed that human factors remain the leading cause of accidents in Cuba, with alarming statistics: 92% of accidents, 98% of deaths, and 91% of injuries.
Understanding Road Safety Challenges in Cuba
What was the cause of the tanker accident in Matanzas?
The accident was caused by the tanker driver losing control while trying to avoid another vehicle in an area with reduced visibility due to a roadside fire.
How did the fire start in the Matanzas tanker accident?
The fire started immediately after the tanker, carrying a flammable load, overturned and ignited.
What are the major causes of road accidents in Cuba?
Human error is identified as the primary cause of road accidents in Cuba, accounting for 92% of accidents, 98% of deaths, and 91% of injuries.