A tragic accident involving a Transtur bus resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to 18 more. The incident occurred today when the bus lost control near kilometer 183 of the National Highway, close to Las Cajas settlement in Aguada de Pasajeros, Cienfuegos Province.
The crash happened shortly after 2 a.m. on Friday. The driver of the Yutong bus, which was on its route from Guantánamo to Havana, veered off the road. Armando Carranza Valladares, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Cienfuegos, shared this information on Facebook.
Local authorities quickly activated emergency response protocols. "The response was prompt and effective," remarked Carranza Valladares, emphasizing that all those involved are receiving medical and emergency care.
According to official reports, two people died on the scene, and 18 sustained injuries, one of whom is in critical condition. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Rising Concerns Over Road Safety in Cuba
This incident adds to a growing list of major traffic accidents in Cuba in recent weeks, often linked to poor road conditions, driver fatigue, and inadequate maintenance of state-owned vehicles.
Earlier, on October 29, a truck narrowly avoided a catastrophic fall from a bridge at kilometer 285 of the National Highway, following a front tire blowout. Fortunately, there were no casualties, only material damage.
On September 23, a dual road accident near Santa Elena on Santiago de Cuba's national highway caused multiple injuries and significant traffic disruption, involving several vehicles.
A particularly tragic accident on September 20 near Paradero de Camarones in Cienfuegos led to the deaths of Diosmiley Llerena Suárez, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Cruces, and Efrén Delgado, the driver of their official vehicle.
Traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death and serious injury in Cuba. From January to August this year, 502 people lost their lives in road incidents, accounting for 80% of the traffic-related fatalities projected for the entire year of 2024, indicating a troubling rise in traffic-related mortality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What are the common causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
Traffic accidents in Cuba are frequently caused by poor road conditions, driver fatigue, and inadequate maintenance of vehicles, particularly those owned by the state.
How has the accident rate in Cuba changed recently?
There has been an alarming increase in the mortality rate from traffic accidents, with 502 deaths reported from January to August this year, representing 80% of the total projected fatalities for 2024.
What measures are being taken to address traffic accidents in Cuba?
Authorities have activated emergency response protocols and are providing medical care to accident victims. However, systemic issues like road maintenance and vehicle conditions require more comprehensive solutions.