A trailer overturned this Saturday at kilometer 126 of the national highway in Cuba, causing only material damage, with the driver sustaining no injuries, according to local sources.
The accident occurred after the heavy vehicle became unstable and rolled over sideways. Witnesses and photos shared on social media show the trailer overturned on the side of the road.
Although dozens of internet users have pointed out that the driver fell asleep, there are no official testimonies about the incident.
Forum members knowledgeable about the matter said, after watching the video of the accident, that the incident had occurred due to a defect in the so-called "fifth wheel" or the "coupling pin."
Despite the violence of the rollover, the driver emerged unscathed and is in good condition, according to a witness. Transportation authorities have not yet issued an official report, but a technical inspection of the vehicle and the accident area is expected to be conducted.
Previous incidents reported by CiberCuba have noted the overturning of a trailer on the Havana bridge in January with no injuries, and the accident in April where a trailer and a jeep collided without serious casualties.
This incident highlights the poor conditions of the Cuban road network and the vehicle fleet, as well as the impact that these heavy load overturns can have on traffic.
The recurring overturns of trailers on the National Highway—linked to mechanical failures, speeding, driver fatigue, and the poor road infrastructure—have been categorized as a "structural problem" that needs urgent attention.
In 2024, despite a decrease in the number of reported workplace accidents in Cuba, the number of work-related deaths has not changed: 52 people lost their lives that year, maintaining the alarming statistic of one death per week.
Official data reveals a disturbing trend: while there are fewer accidents, those that do occur tend to be more lethal.
The fatality rate per 1,000 injuries increased by nearly 60%, rising from 33.7 in 2023 to 53.3 in 2024. This figure reveals a more dangerous work environment and a protective system that is unable to cushion the impact of accidents when they occur.
Filed under: