A cargo truck was involved in a dramatic accident this Friday after plunging from a bridge on the Havana–Pinar del Río highway, with no reported loss of life.
The accident occurred around 8:00 AM in the section between the bridges located at kilometers 114 and 236, very close to the aluminum factory, heading towards CUJAE.
According to the initial report shared in the Facebook group "ACCIDENTS BUSES & TRUCKS for more experience and fewer victims!" by user David Cabrera Vázquez, the cause may have been that the driver fell asleep, although this has not been confirmed.
An anonymous member of the group shared several photos showing the condition of the vehicle after the accident.
"Without human casualties, which is the most important thing," he affirmed.
Occupants suffer only minor injuries
Eyewitnesses reported that in the truck's cabin, in addition to the driver, there was a coworker. Both sustained some bruises, but fortunately none were serious.
Background of similar accidents
The collapse of trucks from bridges in the Cuban road network is not an isolated incident.
In August of last year, a state truck fell from the Santa María del Rosario bridge in the Cotorro municipality, leaving its driver with minor injuries that required medical attention at a local polyclinic.
Days before that incident, another cargo vehicle fell from a bridge in the east of Havana, on the road to Berroa. Its occupants emerged unhurt.
In May, a classic car fell off the divider of a bridge at kilometer 69 of the National Highway in Nueva Paz, Mayabeque, causing serious injuries to one individual.
Further east in the country, in February 2024, a truck fell from a bridge on the Masó-Las Mercedes road in Granma, resulting in seven injuries, three of which were serious.
Call to strengthen security measures
The new accident on the Havana-Pinar del Río highway brings attention once again to the need to reinforce both the mandatory breaks for professional drivers and the structural maintenance of bridges and road signage in high-risk areas.
As of the closure of this note, the authorities had not issued an official statement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What happened in the truck accident on the Havana-Pinar del Río highway?
The accident occurred when a cargo truck plummeted from a bridge on the Havana-Pinar del Río Highway. Fortunately, no human losses were reported, although the driver and his passenger suffered minor injuries. It is speculated that the driver may have fallen asleep.
What are the common causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The main causes of accidents in Cuba include distractions while driving, poor road conditions, and the state of vehicles, as well as a lack of road maintenance. Distraction is the leading cause, responsible for 52% of accidents, 75% of deaths, and 55% of injuries in the country.
What measures can be taken to improve road safety in Cuba?
To improve road safety in Cuba, it is necessary to strengthen mandatory breaks for professional drivers, enhance the structural maintenance of bridges, and increase road signage at high-risk points. It is also crucial to promote caution and responsibility among drivers.
What similar incidents to the truck on the Havana-Pinar del Río highway have occurred recently in Cuba?
In Cuba, similar accidents have occurred frequently. In August of last year, a state truck fell from a bridge in the municipality of Cotorro; in May, a "almendrón" fell over the divider of a bridge on the National Highway. These incidents highlight the urgent need to improve road infrastructure and driver safety.
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