Stunning images: This is how the accident that left several injured in Santa Marta unfolded

In the last few hours, images have emerged that confirm the severity of the accident that occurred this Thursday in the town of Santa Marta, in the Cárdenas municipality, Matanzas.

The accident, which involved a passenger vehicle and a tractor, resulted in 12 people injured, including a 15-year-old teenager.

The photographs, shared on Facebook by Radio Varadero, starkly depict the aftermath of the violent crash: the tractor was completely overturned on the pavement with its wheels facing up.

In the case of the passenger vehicle—a blue and white car—there was severe damage to the front after colliding with the tractor's trailer.

The collision occurred at the intersection of the Vía Rápida and Calle 12, a busy area in Santa Marta.

Although the exact causes are still under investigation, local media have mentioned possible factors such as a lack of attention to vehicle control and a violation of right of way, which are common causes according to the National Road Safety Commission.

The injured were initially treated at healthcare facilities in Varadero and later transported by ambulances from the Regional SIUM Base in Cárdenas.

In total, 11 people were admitted to the "Julio Aristegui Villamil" Territorial Hospital, while the adolescent was transferred to the Provincial Pediatric Hospital due to the nature of her injuries.

All the patients presented with multiple traumas and underwent diagnostic tests to assess their condition.

So far, no deaths have been reported, although health authorities have indicated that patients remain under observation and clinical follow-up.

Dr. Pedro Pablo Olivera, the deputy director of the Cardenense hospital, explained that once the specific diagnoses are completed, more precise information will be provided regarding the progression of the cases.

"The conditions have been created for the medical care of all the injured," he stated.

Radio Varadero took advantage of the impact of the images to reiterate a call to enhance road safety measures and to adhere to the provisions of Law 109 of the Road Safety Code, emphasizing the need for responsible behavior behind the wheel.

"It is better to lose a minute in life than to lose life in a minute", concluded the local media, appealing to the collective awareness during these summer days, when the flow of vehicles increases, especially motorcycles and light vehicles.

As of the publication of this note, there is no additional information regarding the condition of the injured in the Santa Marta accident.

Updated data on accidents in Cuba

According to the latest report from the National Road Safety Commission, as of the end of May 2025, the following figures have been recorded:

Reported accidents: 3,035 (a decrease compared to the previous year).

Injured persons: 2,670 (also decreasing).

Deceased: 290 (unfortunately, an increase).

Main causes: driver distraction, right-of-way violations, speeding, technical failures, and alcohol consumption.

Pedestrians: 23% of the fatalities were struck by vehicles. This is the deadliest type of accident, resulting in one death for every five incidents.

Participation of vulnerable vehicles: Increase in accidents involving motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, and bike taxis, particularly the latter, with a rise in fatalities and injuries.

Serious accidents (January-May): 11 serious incidents were reported, resulting in 30 fatalities and 130 injuries.

Frequently asked questions about the accident in Santa Marta, Matanzas