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In the last few hours, the Italian press has identified the deceased tourist as Patrizia Crisolini Malatesta, who tragically lost her life this Thursday in a traffic accident that occurred on the National Highway, near the municipality of Aguada de Pasajeros, in the province of Cienfuegos.
In addition to the Italian, a Cuban who was a guide for the Ecotur agency also passed away, and the official Cuban press has not yet identified her by name.
Patrizia Crisolini -who was the coordinator of the group of Italians who were injured- was a travel enthusiast, dedicating over two decades of her life to coordinating and leading tours for the agency Avventure nel Mondo, becoming a reference point for many travelers.
Just over a week ago, Avventura Nel Mondo dedicated a video to Cuba.
At 67 years old and originally from Rome, Patrizia Crisolini Malatesta was a woman passionate about travel and photography.
His adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity were reflected in his blog and Instagram posts, where he shared stories of his countless adventures, many of them in countries in Africa and Asia.
In her blog, Patrizia described herself as a restless and curious person.
"I do a bit of everything. Sometimes I think that if I had focused on just one thing, I could have achieved perfection, but dedicating myself solely to something bores me. I love trying new things, and once I master them, I move on to the next adventure," one can read there.
Throughout her life, Patrizia explored a myriad of activities: from jewelry making and gardening to learning languages such as English, Spanish, and French.
She also studied photography and post-production, and ventured into dance with Cuban salsa classes. For her, every experience was a learning opportunity and a reflection of her insatiable curiosity about the world.
In recent hours, Facebook has been flooded with condolences from many friends and adventure companions.
Through her blog, she not only shared her experiences but also conveyed a clear message: to live fully and embrace curiosity as the driving force of existence.
The Italian press has bid her farewell with care and respect.
What is known about the accident
Although the Italian press claims that the minibus driver died, this assertion does not align with what the official Cuban media has reported so far, which mentioned two deceased women: one Cuban and one Italian.
In addition to the two deceased, seven other people were injured and were immediately transferred to the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima University General Hospital.
A doctor interviewed by the television center Perlavisión recently mentioned that among the wounded there are two in critical or very serious condition (red code); two serious (yellow code), and three others with minor injuries (green code).
According to preliminary reports, the 16-seat minibus from Transtur, coming from the Santa Fe base in Havana, collided with the highway divider at kilometer 209, near the municipality of Aguada de Pasajeros, for reasons that are under investigation.
Images shared on social media have revealed the extent of the accident. The vehicle was carrying eight tourists at the time of the impact.
The latest report from official sources did not mention that there was a truck involved in the incident, as initially indicated, although the Italian press does mention it.
In the first half of January 2025, there have already been several serious accidents on Cuban roads.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Traffic Accident in Cienfuegos
Who were the victims of the accident in Cienfuegos?
The victims of the accident in Cienfuegos were an Italian tourist, Patrizia Crisolini Malatesta, who was the coordinator of the group of Italians, and a Cuban guide from the agency Ecotur. So far, the official Cuban press has not revealed the identity of the deceased Cuban.
How many people were injured in the Cienfuegos accident?
Seven people were injured in the accident and were transferred to the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima University General Hospital. Of the injured, two are in critical condition, two are serious, and three have minor injuries.
What is known about the causes of the accident on the National Highway in Cienfuegos?
The accident occurred when the 16-seat minibus from Transtur collided with the divider on the highway near the municipality of Aguada de Pasajeros. The causes of the accident are still under investigation and the involvement of another vehicle has not been confirmed, although a truck was initially mentioned.
How has the international community reacted to the accident in Cienfuegos?
The Italian press has expressed deep respect and condolences towards Patrizia Crisolini Malatesta. Friends and fellow adventurers of the deceased have flooded social media with expressions of sympathy and messages of affection, recalling her adventurous spirit and love for travel.
What is the current situation regarding traffic accidents in Cuba?
Despite reports indicating a reduction in accidents in the first half of 2024, traffic accidents remain a frequent and serious problem in Cuba, with several incidents reported so far in 2025. The lack of maintenance of roads and vehicles, along with the recklessness of some drivers, are factors that significantly contribute to this situation.
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