The death toll from the tragic traffic accident that took place on the afternoon of Friday, May 23, at kilometer 277 of the National Highway in Villa Clara province has increased to five, according to official sources. The crash involved two cars, a Peugeot 405 with license plate P 122 449 and a Geely MK with plate P 202 650, which collided head-on.
Initially, four fatalities were reported at the scene, along with three critically injured individuals. Later, the state-run newspaper Granma confirmed that one of the injured succumbed to their injuries while receiving specialized medical care at the Arnaldo Milián Castro Provincial Hospital, bringing the death count to five.
The deceased have been identified as follows:
- Maels Rodríguez Sánchez, 22, from Taguazco, Zaza del Medio, Sancti Spíritus.
- José Antonio Rodríguez Lorenzo, the driver and father of Maels, also from Taguazco, Zaza del Medio, Sancti Spíritus. Both were traveling in the Peugeot 405.
From the Geely MK occupants, the deceased are:
- Raúl Basilio Ysisdro González, 57, the vehicle’s driver, from Taguazco, Zaza del Medio.
- Karina Sánchez Sánchez, 27, from Jatibonico, Sancti Spíritus.
- Mario Bárbaro Ramos Díaz, 25, also from Jatibonico, Sancti Spíritus.
Two individuals remain critically injured, both passengers in the Peugeot 405: Yosvanis Crespo Benítez, 45, from Taguazco, Zaza del Medio, Sancti Spíritus, is hospitalized in critical condition. Yoegnis Granado Fernández, 40, also from Taguazco, unfortunately did not survive.
Ongoing Traffic Accident Crisis in Cuba
Cuba has witnessed a series of mass traffic accidents over the past year, resulting in a distressing number of casualties. A particularly severe incident took place on January 20 in Ciego de Ávila, where six people perished and another 59 were injured following a bus collision on the road between Morón and Turiguanó Island. Human error was identified as the primary cause.
According to official statistics, 2024 saw 7,507 traffic accidents in Cuba, resulting in 634 deaths and 6,613 injuries. Although these figures represent a decrease in the number of accidents and fatalities compared to the previous year, there was an increase in the number of injuries.
The leading causes identified include lack of attention while driving, disrespect for right-of-way, speeding, and alcohol consumption. Preliminary figures from January 2025 already indicated a rise in fatalities compared to the same month the previous year, with 65 deaths recorded in January alone.
This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for more effective prevention policies, technical inspections of vehicles, and road safety education.
Frequently Asked Questions on Cuba's Traffic Accidents
What caused the recent fatal accident in Villa Clara?
The recent accident involved a head-on collision between two vehicles, a Peugeot 405 and a Geely MK, on the National Highway.
How many people have died due to the accident in Villa Clara?
Five people have died as a result of the accident.
What are the common causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The main causes include lack of attention while driving, speeding, alcohol consumption, and disregard for traffic rules.
How has the number of traffic accidents in Cuba changed recently?
While the number of accidents and fatalities decreased in 2024 compared to the previous year, the number of injuries increased.