Cuban authorities updated information on the tragic traffic accident that occurred Saturday afternoon at the Varadero Toll Plaza, where a fatal collision ignited a car fire.
The incident occurred around 5:40 PM, when a private vehicle traveling from Varadero to Boca de Camarioca lost control and violently crashed into the masonry barrier near the toll booth.
Witnesses reported that the car was traveling at high speed when it crashed into the toll booth.
The blow was so strong that it flew through the air, fell, and split in two. One of the halves caught fire and generated an explosion visible from several points in the area.
The two individuals traveling in the car passed away at the scene, as confirmed by Ángel Raúl Reyes Fernández, the director of the toll station.
There were no other victims among the drivers or toll workers, who were uninjured but quite shaken.
The director of the National Roadway Center, Sandra Loureiro, specified that the part of the car that caught fire rolled towards the toll booth area.
The fire partially affected the infrastructure, although no serious damage was reported in the cabins. However, one column will need to be assessed by technicians.
Fire department and Ministry of Interior (MININT) teams arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire, secure the area, and begin cleanup efforts.
Arentur forces were deployed to collect the debris and the remnants of the wrecked vehicle.
Traffic circulation was temporarily interrupted, and authorities established a detour to allow vehicles to pass while rescue and cleanup operations were underway in the area.
The Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, reported that he has been in constant contact with local authorities and expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
The exact causes of the accident are still under investigation.
Meanwhile, traffic regulations remain in place in the affected area, and more details are expected in the coming hours.
This tragic accident at the Varadero Toll, one of the main tourist routes in the region, has left the community in shock and has highlighted the importance of strengthening road safety measures in high-traffic areas.
Frequently asked questions about the accident at the Varadero Toll Booth
How many people died in the Varadero Toll accident?
Two people died at the scene of the accident, as confirmed by the Cuban authorities. Both were traveling in the car that crashed into the toll barrier.
What caused the accident at the Varadero Toll?
The exact causes of the accident are still under investigation. However, witnesses reported that the vehicle was traveling at high speed before losing control and crashing into the toll booth wall. Speeding is one of the main causes of accidents in Cuba.
Were there more victims or damages in the Varadero Toll accident?
Aside from the two deceased in the vehicle, there were no other victims among the drivers, pedestrians, or toll workers. The fire partially affected the toll infrastructure, but no serious damages were reported.
What is the road safety situation in Cuba?
Despite a decrease in the total number of accidents, the number of fatalities due to traffic accidents in Cuba has increased. The main causes include speeding, driver distraction, and technical failures. The deterioration of the roads is also a significant contributing factor.
What measures are being taken to improve road safety in Cuba?
The Cuban government has implemented control measures such as fines and the revocation of licenses, but it has not effectively addressed structural causes such as the poor condition of the roads. Improvement in road infrastructure and greater education on road safety are needed to reduce accidents.
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