A truck overturned and was severely damaged on the National Highway in an accident that could have been fatal. Eyewitnesses on social media suggested that a cow crossing the road at night caused the mishap, highlighting once again the lack of road safety on the country's major highways.
The crash happened at kilometer 290 of the National Highway when the truck allegedly attempted to avoid the animal that suddenly appeared on the road at night. The vehicle, identified by license plate P726264, ended up leaning heavily on one side, partially blocking the road and forcing traffic to be redirected for several hours. "A cow caused that," commented one online user, while others agreed, stating, "the causes were a cow in the middle of the road at night..."
Although this account remains unconfirmed, it is a common scenario on Cuban roads: loose animals posing significant hazards, especially in poorly lit and unmarked areas. The incident has rekindled criticisms about the deplorable condition of Cuba's road network and the neglect of basic safety measures.
Images captured by passersby illustrate the crash's severity and the truck's vulnerability when faced with an unexpected obstacle. In recent months, the National Highway has been the site of several serious accidents that highlight ongoing neglect, structural negligence, and lack of effective preventive measures. For instance, a February accident near Santiago de Cuba left a driver injured after his vehicle overturned due to poor visibility and road conditions.
In January, a massive collision involving multiple vehicles on the highway near Cienfuegos resulted in several fatalities and severe injuries. Later images exposed the event's magnitude and the inadequate infrastructure. Additionally, at the end of 2024, a man lost a leg following a car accident on the highway in Mayabeque, also linked to a vehicle losing control.
Road Safety and Infrastructure in Cuba: Key Questions
What caused the truck to overturn on the National Highway?
Eyewitnesses suggested that a cow crossing the road at night was the likely cause of the truck overturning.
What are the main safety concerns on Cuban roads?
The main safety concerns include loose animals on the road, poor visibility, lack of lighting, and inadequate infrastructure.
How has the condition of the National Highway contributed to recent accidents?
Neglect, structural issues, and a lack of effective preventive measures on the highway have contributed to several serious accidents.