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Motorcyclist from Varadero Dies in Matanzas Highway Accident

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 by Ernesto Alvarez

Motorcyclist from Varadero Dies in Matanzas Highway Accident
Fernando Febles and image of the accident - Image of © Facebook / Fernando Febles - Christian Arbolaez

Fernando Febles, a Varadero resident born on April 21, 1990, tragically lost his life this Tuesday in a traffic accident on the Matanzas Highway near Guásima, as reported by the community group Cardenenses on Facebook.

The incident was initially reported as "developing," with confirmation that a person traveling on a green motorcycle had died at the scene. As the situation unfolded, further details emerged about the victim's identity and the circumstances surrounding the accident.

According to information shared by the group, the crash occurred when Febles' motorcycle collided with a vehicle merging onto the highway from the Cupet Post 1 area. Some witnesses indicated that the car entered at a point where no left turn was authorized, though it will be up to the authorities to accurately determine the circumstances and any potential liabilities.

Fernando was a well-known figure in the Varadero community. Many remembered him for his work as a motorcycle painter and his passion for the field, while others knew him as a taxi driver in the tourist area.

His untimely death is a devastating blow to his immediate family. Febles leaves behind two young children and a wife who, according to close friends, was in Spain with the kids at the time of the accident.

A user expressed her condolences in a comment: "What a sad piece of news. A wonderful father and husband. My condolences to Liseth, María Fernanda, and her baby."

The news prompted a flood of condolence messages on social media from friends, university peers, and neighbors who described him as an exceptional person.

Rising Traffic Incidents in Cuba

The accident occurs amid a concerning rise in traffic incidents in Cuba. In 2025, the country recorded 7,538 traffic accidents, resulting in 750 deaths and 6,718 injuries, according to official figures from the National Road Safety Commission.

Motorcycles and scooters were involved in 63% of the reported accidents that year, largely due to the increasing use of these vehicles as alternatives in the face of fuel shortages and the decline of public transportation.

Matanzas has been a frequent site of such tragedies. A motorcyclist died in Cárdenas in July 2025, and another perished in Colón just days earlier in June, highlighting the severe road safety issues facing the province.

The primary causes identified by Cuban authorities include failure to yield, distracted driving, and speeding, accounting for 72% of accidents recorded in 2025.

"Behind every accident lies a story, a family, and dreams abruptly cut short," wrote Christian Arbolaez, administrator of the Cardenenses group, while delivering the heartbreaking news of Fernando Febles' death.

Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Accidents in Cuba

What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?

The main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba include failure to yield, lack of attention while driving, and excessive speed, which together explain 72% of the accidents recorded in 2025.

How many traffic accidents were reported in Cuba in 2025?

In 2025, Cuba reported 7,538 traffic accidents, resulting in 750 fatalities and 6,718 injuries, according to the National Road Safety Commission.

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