A cargo truck was involved in a dramatic accident this Friday when it plunged from a bridge on the Havana-Pinar del Río highway, fortunately resulting in no loss of life. The crash occurred at around 8:00 am between the bridges at kilometers 114 and 236, near the aluminum factory, heading towards CUJAE.
Initial reports shared by user David Cabrera Vázquez in the Facebook group "ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES por más experiencia y menos víctimas!" suggest that the driver might have fallen asleep, although this has not been confirmed. An anonymous group member posted several photos showing the truck's condition post-accident. "No loss of life, which is the most important thing," they stated.
Minor Injuries for Truck Occupants
Eyewitnesses reported that in addition to the driver, a coworker was also in the truck's cabin. Both individuals sustained minor injuries but, thankfully, nothing serious.
Previous Similar Incidents
Trucks falling from bridges in Cuba's road network is not an uncommon occurrence. Last August, a state-owned truck fell from the Santa María del Rosario bridge in the Cotorro municipality, leaving the driver with minor injuries that required medical attention at a local polyclinic. A few days prior, another cargo vehicle fell from a bridge in eastern Havana on the road to Berroa, with the occupants escaping unharmed.
In May, a classic car known as an "almendrón" fell over a bridge divider at kilometer 69 of the National Highway in Nueva Paz, Mayabeque, causing serious injuries to one person. Further east in February 2024, a truck plummeted from a bridge on the Masó-Las Mercedes road in Granma, resulting in seven injuries, three of which were severe.
Call to Enhance Safety Measures
This latest accident on the Havana-Pinar del Río Highway highlights the pressing need to improve both the mandatory rest periods for professional drivers and the structural maintenance of bridges, as well as road signage in high-risk areas. Until the closure of this report, no official statement had been issued by the authorities.
FAQs on Road Safety and Truck Accidents in Cuba
What might have caused the truck accident on the Havana-Pinar del Río Highway?
Initial reports suggest the driver may have fallen asleep, although this has not been confirmed.
Were there any serious injuries in the recent truck accident?
Fortunately, the truck's occupants only sustained minor injuries and there were no serious injuries reported.
How common are truck accidents involving falls from bridges in Cuba?
Such incidents are not uncommon in Cuba, with several similar accidents reported in recent years involving trucks falling from bridges.