Three young individuals died instantly and one was seriously injured in a severe traffic accident early Saturday morning while returning from a concert by reggaeton artist Yomil Hidalgo at the Bariay Club in Holguín city. The victims—two women and a man—have been identified on social media as "Faber Ayala," "Geidis Reyes," and a young woman named "Odalis," known on Facebook as “Dominguez Doninguez.”
Tragically, Odalis had posted photos and video clips from Yomil's concert on social media shortly before her death, adding a poignant layer to the incident. "If you get home without a voice, it means you enjoyed the concert. (Yomil)," she wrote alongside the images, which are now filled with messages of condolence.
So far, the causes of the accident remain unclear, although it appears no other vehicles were involved. The victims were traveling in a gray sedan, which has been shown in social media images to be severely damaged, particularly with the roof completely crushed in the back seats.
The accident occurred near Bahía Naranjo on the Guardalavaca highway. The sole survivor remains hospitalized in critical condition. Dozens of people have expressed their sorrow over the untimely deaths of the three young people and are calling for heightened caution on the roads.
As of the time of this report, no additional details have been confirmed about the incident. Traffic accidents have shown no signs of slowing down on Cuban roads since the beginning of the year, following the same troubling pattern observed in 2023. Last year, 729 people died in Cuba due to traffic accidents. Authorities recorded 8,556 road accidents, resulting in 5,938 injuries. Human error was cited as the cause in 91% of these incidents, according to officials.
Details and Safety Concerns Regarding Cuban Traffic Accidents
Given the frequency and severity of traffic accidents in Cuba, it's crucial to understand the underlying causes and preventive measures. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers.
What caused the accident involving the young Cubans returning from Yomil's concert?
The specific causes of the accident are still under investigation. However, it appears that no other vehicles were involved, and the victims were traveling in a gray sedan that sustained severe damage.
How frequent are traffic accidents in Cuba?
Traffic accidents are alarmingly frequent in Cuba. In 2023, there were 8,556 road accidents, resulting in 729 deaths and 5,938 injuries. Human error was identified as a factor in 91% of these incidents.
What measures can be taken to improve road safety in Cuba?
Improving road safety in Cuba requires multifaceted strategies, including better road maintenance, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, public education on safe driving practices, and addressing human error factors.