The tragic incident involving an alcohol tanker fire in Matanzas claimed the life of Joaquín Cotera García, a seasoned employee of Empresa TransCupet Matanzas, who dedicated over 30 years to the company. The entity confirmed his passing through a heartfelt social media post, describing him as "one of our founding members" and praising his unwavering integrity, commitment, and responsibility in his duties.
"Your colleagues will always remember you... Fly high and rest in peace," expressed his coworkers in an emotional farewell message posted on Facebook.
The fatal accident occurred on Monday afternoon when a TransCupet tanker truck, bearing the license plate B233 908, overturned and burst into flames while transporting 17,000 liters of warehouse alcohol along the South Road, between the municipalities of Colón and Calimete.
According to initial reports, the tragedy unfolded as the truck driver attempted to navigate a section with limited visibility caused by a roadside fire. Amidst the thick smoke, the driver encountered another vehicle and, in trying to avoid a collision, lost control of the truck. This resulted in a crash against a pole and a subsequent overturn in the burning area.
Due to the highly flammable nature of the cargo, the vehicle ignited almost instantly, leaving Cotera García, who was traveling as the co-driver, no time to escape from the cabin.
The blaze triggered a large-scale emergency response, involving five fire engines from Colón, Calimete, Cárdenas, and Matanzas, with the deployment of 23 personnel in the firefighting efforts. Additionally, officers from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and the Risk Reduction Management Center of Colón joined the operation, supported by four water tankers to supply the emergency teams.
The truck's driver survived the incident despite sustaining injuries and was taken to a medical facility. As of now, details about his health condition remain undisclosed.
The accident has sparked a wave of grief on social media, where many mourn the loss of Joaquín Cotera García and have extended their condolences to his family and colleagues. However, there have also been criticisms directed at individuals who chose to record and share footage of the fire online instead of assisting or respecting the severity of the situation.
Officials from the Party and the Government of the affected municipalities, along with CUPET executives, visited the accident site to oversee the removal of the wrecked vehicle and aid in coordinating post-accident tasks.
This unfortunate event leaves a void in Empresa TransCupet Matanzas, as they bid farewell to one of their most veteran employees, remembering him as a man of principles and steadfast dedication to his work.
Understanding the Matanzas Alcohol Tanker Incident
Who was Joaquín Cotera García?
Joaquín Cotera García was a veteran employee of Empresa TransCupet Matanzas, having served the company for over 30 years. He was regarded as one of the founding members, known for his integrity and commitment to his job.
What caused the tanker truck accident in Matanzas?
The accident occurred when the truck driver attempted to navigate through a section with reduced visibility due to a roadside fire. The driver lost control while trying to avoid another vehicle, leading to the truck overturning and igniting because of its flammable cargo.
How did authorities respond to the Matanzas tanker fire?
The emergency response involved five fire engines and 23 personnel from various municipalities, as well as officers from the Ministry of the Interior and the Risk Reduction Management Center. They were supported by four water tankers to help extinguish the fire.