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A Freightliner truck, manufactured in the United States, recently overturned on a stretch of the National Highway in Cuba, according to images shared by the group 'Accidentes Buses & Camiones' on social media.
The accident occurred under circumstances that have not yet been clarified, and no information has been provided about possible injuries. The shared photos show the vehicle completely overturned on its right side, with part of the load — consisting of plastic boxes — scattered in the ditch, and visible damage to the cabin and the trailer.
The accident truck is one of many modern cargo transport vehicles that have been imported in recent years, mainly from the United States, as part of the effort by state and private companies to renew a deteriorated and obsolete national vehicle fleet.
However, these trucks, designed to operate on wide highways in good technical condition and with proper signage, face adverse conditions on the Cuban road network.
The poor condition of the pavement, lack of signage, dangerous irregularities, and widespread deterioration of road infrastructure in Cuba pose a serious challenge for heavy vehicles. The combination of high speeds, insufficient maintenance of the roads, and adverse weather conditions increases the risk of accidents such as the one that occurred.
This new incident highlights the dangers faced by carriers on Cuban roads, even when using modern technology. The lack of investment in road safety and maintenance remains an outstanding issue that directly affects the lives of drivers and passengers across the country.
An increasing trend with modern vehicles
In recent months, several similar accidents have been reported across the country, involving modern imported trucks.
On January 21, a Freightliner truck loaded with chicken overturned in Guanabacoa. Although there were no injuries, the incident caused alarm, as it occurred amid an ongoing supply crisis. The poorly paved road and a dangerous curve were pointed out as possible causes.
In November 2024, a modern trailer apparently rented by the Tínima brewery overturned in Camagüey. There were no injuries, but there was significant damage, raising concerns about the use of those roads for large vehicles.
Other accidents have been reported in Sancti Spíritus, Las Tunas, and Ciego de Ávila, many involving trucks imported by state enterprises or MIPYMES. The causes tend to be recurring: poor visibility, poorly designed curves, loose animals, and generally a roadway environment that is not suited for this type of transport.
Despite authorities reporting a general decrease in traffic accidents, the reality is that the coexistence of high-tech vehicles with an outdated, poorly marked, and poorly maintained road network is creating a new pattern of accidents, with serious economic and logistical consequences.
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