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A person died and another was injured on the afternoon of this Monday in a tragic traffic accident that ended in a fierce fire in the province of Matanzas.
The incident involved a tanker truck belonging to the TransCupet Company of Matanzas, with license plate B233 908, which was transporting approximately 17 thousand liters of warehouse alcohol destined for retail units, according to reports from the local press in Matanzas.
The accident occurred on the South highway, which connects the municipalities of Colón and Calimete.
According to the preliminary report released, the incident occurred when the truck driver attempted to cross a section of the road that had reduced visibility due to a fire in the ditch.
In the midst of the thick smoke, the truck driver encountered another vehicle and, while maneuvering to avoid it, lost control of the truck.
As a result, the tanker vehicle went off the road and crashed into a post, causing the vehicle to overturn in the burned area.
Due to the flammable load, the truck caught fire immediately.
Rescue and fire control efforts
The fire created a complex situation that required the urgent intervention of five specialized fire trucks from the fire departments of the municipalities of Colón, Calimete, Cárdenas, and Matanzas.
In total, 23 personnel worked on extinguishing the fire.
Additionally, support was provided by four water supply trucks from the economy, as well as the participation of officials from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and the Risk Reduction Management Center of Colón.
According to reports on social media and testimonies from eyewitnesses, the truck's co-pilot became trapped in the vehicle's cabin and was unable to escape in time, losing their life in the fire.
The driver was injured and was taken to a medical center. The clinical condition of the injured person has not been disclosed.
The identities of the two individuals involved in the accident are also unknown.
After the accident, authorities from the Party and the Government of both municipalities, as well as executives from the CUPET company, arrived at the scene to coordinate the efforts to remove the damaged vehicle once the fire was extinguished.
The unfortunate incident caused shock among social media users, who expressed their sorrow for the loss of life and the shocking images of the tragedy.
However, the attitude of some individuals has also been criticized, as instead of offering help or respecting the tragedy, they chose to record videos and take photos to spread them on the internet.
Accidents in Cuba
Recently, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the Minister of Transport, reported on Facebook that by the end of January, 87 fewer accidents (422) and two fewer injuries (552) were reported compared to the same period in 2024.
However, the number of fatalities increased, reaching 65 deceased, six more than in the same period of 2024.
Additionally, during January, five serious accidents were reported, resulting in 19 fatalities and 173 injuries, mostly among young people aged 21 to 35, accounting for 30%, and those under 18, making up 10%.
According to the minister, it is noteworthy that 80% of these incidents occurred in rural areas, on well-maintained roads and under favorable weather conditions, which reinforces the hypothesis that human factors are the primary trigger.
The most common type of accident remains vehicle collisions, with 260 cases, 28 fatalities, and 226 injuries.
Following are rollovers, with 67 accidents, 13 deaths, and 125 injuries; as well as pedestrian accidents, with 66 accidents, 9 deaths, and 63 injuries.
The latter is considered the most dangerous, as an average of two pedestrian accidents occur each day in the country, and every six days, one person dies as a result, mainly in urban areas of Havana, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba.
Rodríguez emphasized that the human factor remains the main cause of accidents in Cuba, with alarming figures: 92% of accidents, 98% of deaths, and 91% of injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions about the tanker truck accident in Matanzas and traffic accidents in Cuba
What happened in the tanker truck accident in Matanzas?
The accident occurred when the driver of the tanker truck, which was carrying approximately 17 thousand liters of alcohol, attempted to cross a stretch of road with reduced visibility due to a fire in the ditch. While maneuvering to avoid another vehicle, the driver lost control, and the truck veered off the road, crashing into a pole and overturning in the burned area. The truck caught fire immediately due to its flammable cargo.
What was the outcome of the accident in Matanzas?
One person died and another was injured following the tanker truck accident in Matanzas. The co-pilot was trapped in the cabin and died in the fire, while the driver was taken to a medical facility. The identities of those involved and the medical condition of the injured driver have not been disclosed.
How do Cuban authorities respond to traffic accidents like the one in Matanzas?
In the Matanzas accident, authorities mobilized firefighting teams and officials from the Ministry of the Interior to control the fire and assist in rescue efforts. Twenty-three personnel were involved, along with the support of water tankers to extinguish the flames. Additionally, executives from CUPET and local Party and Government officials arrived to coordinate the actions for removing the wrecked vehicle.
What is the overall situation of traffic accidents in Cuba?
Cuba has experienced an increase in the number of traffic accidents, primarily due to driver recklessness and poor road conditions. The human factor is responsible for 92% of accidents, 98% of deaths, and 91% of injuries in the country. In January 2025, five serious accidents were recorded, resulting in 19 fatalities and 173 injuries, with young people aged 21 to 35 being the most affected.
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