Authorities in the municipality of Venezuela, located in Ciego de Ávila province, have confirmed a major accident near the community of La Caoba, as reported by the state-run newspaper Invasor.
Initial reports suggest that the incident resulted from a collision between a bus and a horse-drawn cart, initially injuring 23 individuals.
According to the released information, 15 of the injured were taken to Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola Provincial Hospital in Ciego de Ávila's capital, while the remaining victims are receiving medical attention at the local municipal clinic.
So far, authorities have not disclosed any details regarding the cause of the accident, which is currently under investigation.
CiberCuba continues to monitor this developing story.
The Hazardous Coexistence of Carts and Engines in Cuba
This rural road tragedy is not an isolated incident but rather part of a recurring pattern across various Cuban provinces.
For instance, in La Pedrona community, Mayarí municipality (Holguín), a motorbike collided violently with a horse-drawn cart early on a Friday morning. The young motorcyclist sustained severe injuries, and the horse died as a result of the crash.
In another incident in Granma province, in the town of Santa Rita, a jeep collided with a horse-drawn cart. A metal bar from the cart impaled a passenger in the jeep, who later succumbed to the injuries.
More recently, in Guanabacoa, Havana, a motorcyclist driving on an unlit road crashed head-on into a horse-drawn cart, dying instantly.
These incidents share common factors: carts traveling in poor visibility conditions, deteriorating or poorly marked roads, and the dangerous mix of motor vehicles and traditional means of transport. The outcome: lives lost, families affected, and a stark warning that cannot be ignored.
Questions About Road Safety in Cuba
What are the common causes of accidents involving carts in Cuba?
Accidents often occur due to poor visibility, deteriorating roads, and the mix of motor vehicles with traditional carts. These factors create hazardous conditions that lead to collisions.
How are local authorities responding to these accidents?
Authorities typically conduct investigations following such accidents, but details are not always promptly shared with the public. Efforts to improve road safety and visibility remain limited.