Articulated truck suffers an accident on the Havana–Pinar del Río Highway

A articulated truck was involved in a traffic accident this Thursday at kilometer 27.5 of the Havana–Pinar del Río Highway, in front of the Cupet in the area, according to witness reports on social media.

The incident was reported through the Facebook group “ACCIDENTS BUSES & TRUCKS for more experience and fewer victims,” where an image of the accident was shared. According to the comments on the post, the driver of the vehicle was injured but survived, and was immediately transferred to the hospital.

Although the severity of the injuries is still unknown, internet users clarified that the driver did not die, debunking the initial rumors that circulated after the accident.

The traffic authorities have not yet provided official information regarding the causes of the incident or the type of cargo that the truck was carrying.

In context:

Traffic accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of death and serious injuries on the island, where deficiencies in road infrastructure, the deterioration of the vehicle fleet, and the lack of resources for road maintenance are factors that exacerbate the situation, according to official reports.

Cuba recorded 502 deaths in traffic accidents from January to August 2025, nearly 80% of the fatalities from that cause throughout the previous year, indicating a rise in mortality from incidents on the country's roads.

According to the latest official statistics released by the Cuban News Agency, in seven out of ten incidents there were victims, primarily due to the collision of vehicles, which remains the “most dangerous” accident, accounting for 36% of the total fatalities.

Meanwhile, each accident caused by speeding results in at least one victim, and for every five such incidents, one person dies.

Villa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Artemisa are the provinces with the most critical situation, as accidents increased by more than a third compared to 2024, revealed Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, head of the National Traffic Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior (Minint).

Meanwhile, the highest level of danger has been reported in Havana, Ciego de Ávila, Villa Clara, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba, particularly due to incidents involving motorcycle and moped drivers, as well as pedestrians.

According to Rodríguez, the indiscipline of drivers of those vehicles is responsible for around 11 accidents daily, resulting in at least seven injuries and one fatality every six days. He stated that these modes of transportation are involved in 52% of road incidents in the country and have caused 32% of deaths and 42% of injuries.

The report from the National Road Safety Commission identifies among the main causes of accidents during this period, not paying adequate attention to vehicle control and disrespecting right of way, accounting for 63% of incidents.

In addition to these causes, it included technical malfunctions, violations by pedestrians, and drivers of motorcycles and mopeds, as well as improper overtaking, which collectively accounted for 25% of incidents and 28% of fatalities.

Nevertheless, although they were not mentioned, factors such as poor road conditions, lack of signage, and inadequate street and road lighting remain decisive in accidents, along with the age and deterioration of the country's vehicle fleet.

Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Accidents in Cuba