A tragic traffic accident occurred on Monday along the central highway near Bejuco in Las Tunas province, resulting in three fatalities, according to the latest updates. Periódico 26, the official regional outlet, announced via Facebook that the deceased included the two occupants of the rented vehicle and the taxi driver.
Reports indicate that the head-on collision between the two vehicles led to a fire in the tourist rental car, which was almost completely consumed by flames. Videos circulating on social media capture the harrowing aftermath of the crash and show local residents rushing to assist after alerting firefighters and authorities.
"Numerous followers have reported a shocking traffic accident this Monday on the Central Highway in Bartle, Las Tunas, where a taxi and a tourist car collided. Both vehicles caught fire. The tour group had five people, while the taxi carried two. All perished. The tour was reportedly headed to Guantánamo. This information hasn't been officially released; we are seeking more details to share," stated Rolando Guerra Machín, administrator of the Facebook group "El Purial Holguín Cuba."
The accident occurred approximately 20 kilometers before reaching Las Tunas city, in the village of Bejuco, which is notably situated on both sides of the Central Highway. This tragedy has deeply affected the local community and reignited discussions on road safety and emergency response services on the island.
Traffic incidents continue to have a devastating impact on Cuban roads. Earlier in August, a crash on the National Highway resulted in four deaths, including a minor, after a tourist car collided with a bridge and caught fire. The loss of life was irreversible.
In another catastrophic event in mid-January in Sancti Spíritus, a tourist vehicle collided with a truck loaded with oranges, leaving at least three dead and several injured. The collision was so severe that both vehicles were destroyed on the highway.
At the end of April last year, two young pedestrians were killed when struck by a tourist car near Bayamo in Granma. The accident happened at night, and the victims were under 20 years old, according to initial reports. Just days earlier in Matanzas, a tourist car overturned, resulting in one death and three critical injuries. Rescuers worked tirelessly to free the trapped individuals from the wreck.
In late January 2023, a tragic crash in Santa Cruz del Norte claimed at least one life and injured seven others after a taxi blew a tire and collided head-on with another car. The impact was severe, and authorities have pointed to poor road conditions and lack of vehicle maintenance as common factors in such incidents.
Key Questions About Road Safety in Cuba
What caused the recent accident in Las Tunas?
The accident in Las Tunas was caused by a head-on collision between a taxi and a tourist rental car, which resulted in a fire consuming the rental vehicle.
How has the community responded to the accident?
The local community has been deeply affected, with residents attempting to assist at the scene and discussions on road safety and emergency response being reignited.
What are common factors in traffic accidents in Cuba?
Poor road conditions and lack of vehicle maintenance are frequently cited as common contributing factors in traffic accidents in Cuba.