In a devastating traffic crash in Cuba’s eastern Guantanamo province, four people lost their lives and twenty-eight were injured, two of them children. The incident occurred when a bus overturned on a highway this Monday, marking another tragic event on Cuba’s roadways. The bus was described as the last vehicle in a caravan that carried a total of thirty-two people, including professors stationed in Havana and their families. Some of the injured required urgent medical attention, and four of them received surgeries at the Agostinho Neto Training General Hospital in the provincial capital. Official statements indicate that eyewitnesses did not report any other vehicle being involved in the crash. Authorities are continuing to investigate the precise cause of the accident, as they work to piece together how the vehicle left the roadway and overturned. This event follows another serious crash earlier in the week, when twelve people were reported injured on the access bridge of the same highway, linking Havana with the western province of Pinar del Río. The accumulation of incidents has raised questions about road safety and driver behavior in the region. (CNA)
Across the island, concerns over traffic safety have grown in the final days of the previous year and the early days of the new year. The situation is part of a broader pattern of mass transport accidents that have drawn attention from national authorities and local media alike. The National Highway Commission (CNA) has released data showing that from January through October of 2022, Cuba recorded 8,187 traffic crashes, resulting in 6,175 injuries and 566 fatalities. This report indicates an upward trend in accident severity and frequency when compared with the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. The commission highlights several recurring factors linked to these crashes, including loss of vehicle control, violations of right-of-way, improper lane discipline, and excessive speeds. In addition, there is a growing concern about the aging vehicle fleet, with many cars exceeding fifty years in operation, a rise in moped activity, and a continuing shortage of maintenance and improvements to the road network. These elements collectively contribute to higher risk on both urban streets and rural routes. (CNA)
Looking back at calendar years 2021 and 2020, the country saw a concerning trend in road safety statistics. In 2021, there were 8,354 traffic accidents, up by 8.32 percent from 2020, which coincided with 589 fatalities. By contrast, 2020 recorded 7,712 crashes and 475 deaths. Analysts emphasize that the combination of aging vehicles, limited road infrastructure investment, and gaps in routine driver training all play a role in the ongoing challenge of reducing road deaths and serious injuries in Cuba. Local authorities have stressed the importance of implementing stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improving road markings, and accelerating maintenance to address the vulnerabilities identified in these national road safety reports. While the recent Monday crash prompted immediate emergency responses and medical treatment for the wounded, officials also reiterated the need for comprehensive safety reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. (CNA)