A truck from the company BDC International, based in the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZED Mariel), collided on Thursday with a concrete barrier on the elevated section at kilometer 232 of the National Highway, near the municipality of Santa Isabel de las Lajas in the Cienfuegos province. The incident took place in an area known as "ranchón El Tequedará," according to several social media users. They clarified that the accident didn't occur at kilometer 230, as initially reported, but at kilometer 232, which is within the Lajas municipality.
Photos and videos shared on the Facebook page ‘Accidentes Buses & Camiones’ depicted the vehicle's cabin severely damaged after the collision. Initially, the health status of the driver and his companion was unknown, causing concern among online users. However, a user named René Bartolo, claiming to be a colleague of those involved, confirmed that both survived and are recovering. "Thank God they're alive," he commented.
Although the causes of the accident haven't been disclosed, some users speculated that fatigue might have been a factor. Others noted the uneven road surfaces common on elevated sections of highways in Cuba, which, combined with unfamiliarity with the road and high speeds, can lead to similar mishaps.
Spotlight on Road Safety in Cuba
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of frequent road accidents on the island, especially those involving heavy vehicles like trucks and buses, which often operate in poor mechanical condition or on inadequately marked and maintained roads.
Such occurrences are not uncommon. In October 2024, a truck veered off the road on a bridge in Sancti Spíritus. Two months earlier, another cargo vehicle fell from a bridge in eastern Havana, though its occupants were unharmed. In February 2024, seven people were injured when a truck plunged from a bridge in Granma, and in August of the same year, another driver was injured under similar circumstances. Additionally, a tragic accident in January 2025 in Cienfuegos resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, illustrating a troubling trend.
BDC International, the company involved in this latest incident, is a Belgian-owned enterprise that has operated in Cuba for years. Through its subsidiaries BDC Log S.A. and BDC Tec S.A., it engages in logistical, transport, and electronic manufacturing activities within the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZED).
This fortunate outcome, without any fatalities, reignites the debate on the urgency of enhancing road safety in the country, particularly on elevated sections and bridges where inadequate maintenance or signage has often led to fatal outcomes.
Understanding Road Safety in Cuba's Elevated Sections
What caused the truck accident in Cienfuegos?
The exact cause of the accident hasn't been officially disclosed, but speculation points to fatigue and uneven road surfaces as potential factors.
Who were involved in the Cienfuegos truck accident?
The accident involved a truck from BDC International. Both the driver and his companion survived and are recovering.
What is the significance of this accident in the context of Cuban road safety?
This accident underscores the persistent issue of road safety in Cuba, particularly concerning heavy vehicles and poorly maintained infrastructure.