A truck ended up overturned on the Monumental road before the Santa Fe bridge in the municipality of Guanabacoa, which once again raised concerns about the actions of traffic inspectors in hazardous areas.
Witnesses point out that the location chosen by the so-called "blues" was decisive in the accident.
The accident occurred on the morning of this Sunday, and according to the images shared on Facebook by the user La Tijera, as well as by Alexander Ríos Cruz, the vehicle ended up in the ditch while the firefighters worked at the scene.
So far, the exact causes are unknown, and there is also no official confirmation regarding possible injuries or fatalities.
Eyewitnesses hold traffic inspectors responsible for stopping vehicles on a sloped section without safety barriers, which allegedly caused the truck to lose control and overturn.
A citizen claimed that the inspectors had more vehicles parked than permitted, and that the driver, while trying to overtake them, veered to the left and had an accident.
Another version agrees that an inspector stopped the truck at the same point and that the vehicle's reversal, along with the weight of the container, caused it to overturn.
"Those in blue have a habit of stopping right there, at the ravine," denounced a user on social media, who questioned why this practice continues in a place where the risk is evident.
The lack of official information keeps the questions about what happened open, while the incident reignites criticism of the inspectors' management, who have been pointed out by the public as responsible for exposing drivers and passengers to unsafe stretches of the Cuban capital.
A serious traffic accident that occurred on the afternoon of this Saturday in the Las Guásimas area, Arroyo Naranjo municipality (Havana), resulted in significant material damage and an injured motorcyclist, whose condition is still unknown.
According to social media posts and witnesses at the scene, the incident occurred when a private vehicle, a Hyundai Palisade (license plate P271494), one of the most modern SUVs from the South Korean manufacturer operating in Cuba, allegedly failed to heed a "Stop" sign and collided head-on with a motorcycle traveling on the main road.
On the same day, another incident occurred at the intersection of San Lázaro and Escobar streets in the Centro Habana municipality, where witnesses claim that a small child was riding on the involved motorcycle, exposing once again the risks faced by citizens on streets lacking clear signage, with drivers who do not respect the right of way and without an effective traffic control system.
A traffic accident that occurred on Friday afternoon in the municipality of Playa, at the intersection of 19th and 46th Streets, resulted in a car overturned in the middle of the road, causing significant alarm among passersby and residents of the area.
On Wednesday on Calzada de Santo Suárez, in the municipality of Diez de Octubre, Havana, there was not only a motorcyclist injured after being hit by a trailer, but also a scene of social indignation: a person took advantage of the emergency to steal the victim's belongings, instead of helping.
Between January and March 2025, Cuba recorded 1,738 accidents, 144 fewer than in the same quarter of the previous year. There was also a decrease in the number of injuries: 1,514 people were injured, 87 fewer than in 2024. However, the number of fatalities rose from 146 to 173, an increase of 27 deaths.
Despite the implementation of control measures, road accidents are a critical problem in Cuba. The government continues to blame human factors while avoiding addressing structural causes such as the deterioration of roads, the lack of proper signage, and the public transport crisis, which forces many to use risky means of transportation.
In January, the government identified drivers as the main responsible parties for traffic accidents in Cuba, upon evaluating the causes of road incidents during 2024.
Failing to pay proper attention to vehicle control was the main cause of traffic accidents last year, followed by disregard for right-of-way and speeding, according to a report from the Specialized Traffic Agency of the General Directorate of the Revolutionary National Police (PNR).
In its report on traffic accidents during 2023, the Cuban government attributed 91% of the incidents to human factors.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages and the violation of traffic laws also emerge as frequent causes of traffic accidents. Additionally, there is a need to reinforce both the mandatory breaks for professional drivers and the structural maintenance of bridges and road signage at high-risk points.
These factors are compounded by the widespread deterioration of old cars still on the road in Cuba, along with the poor condition of the roads, a combination that proves fatal and contributes to the increasingly deadly accidents reported in the country.
The Cuban government has acknowledged that 75% of the country's roads and traffic routes are in a condition ranging from fair to poor. This situation poses a significant challenge for the communist regime, as it directly impacts the quality of life for citizens and the provision of essential services.
Frequently asked questions about traffic accidents in Havana
What happened in the truck accident on the Vía Monumental in Havana?
A truck overturned on the Vía Monumental before the Santa Fe bridge in the municipality of Guanabacoa, Havana. Witnesses hold the traffic inspectors responsible for stopping vehicles in a dangerous stretch without protective barriers, which is believed to have caused the truck to lose control.
What is the main cause of traffic accidents in Cuba?
According to reports from the Cuban government, human factors are the main cause of traffic accidents, accounting for 91% of incidents. The most common causes include lack of attention while driving, failure to yield the right of way, and excessive speed.
How is the condition of the roads affecting road safety in Cuba?
75% of the roads in Cuba are in fair to poor condition, which directly affects road safety. The deterioration of the roads, coupled with the lack of proper signage, significantly contributes to the high rate of accidents in the country.
What measures are being taken to reduce traffic accidents in Cuba?
Despite the implementation of some control measures, road accidents remain a critical problem in Cuba. The government has identified the human factor as the main culprit, but has not sufficiently addressed structural causes such as the deterioration of roads and the public transportation crisis.
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