A devastating tragedy struck a family from Sancti Spíritus when a father and his son tragically lost their lives in a fatal car accident last Friday on the National Highway at kilometer 277, near Villa Clara. The collision involved two vehicles—a Peugeot 405 and a Geely MK—and resulted in a provisional total of five deaths and at least two critically injured individuals.
Among the deceased were José Antonio Rodríguez Lorenzo, the driver of the Peugeot, and his son Maels Rodríguez Sánchez, who was just 22 years old. Both hailed from Taguasco, Sancti Spíritus, and were on their way to their destination when the calamity struck. The community of Zaza del Medio, their hometown, is deeply shaken. Friends and neighbors have taken to social media to express their grief, highlighting José Antonio’s dedication as both a father and a farmer.
Traveling in the same vehicle were two more passengers who suffered severe injuries: Yosvanis Crespo Benítez and Yoegnis Granado Fernández, also residents of Taguasco. The reasons behind the accident are still under investigation, but eyewitnesses suggest excessive speed and poor road conditions as potential factors. The aftermath, with one car completely wrecked, illustrated the immense force of the crash.
The Toll of Unsafe Roads in Cuba
This incident adds to the growing list of traffic accidents on Cuban roads, where over 600 fatalities were reported in 2024 alone. Despite these alarming numbers, the authorities have yet to implement effective preventative measures, leaving families to mourn their losses. The simultaneous loss of a father and son is an immeasurable sorrow, one that will linger in the memory of an entire community.
Taguasco, a municipality in mourning, has confirmed that three of the five victims were from their locality. Besides Rodríguez Lorenzo, affectionately known as "Pepito," and his young son Maels, the town also grieves the passing of Raúl Basilio Ysisdro González.
Community Mourns the Loss of Prominent Agricultural Figure
The tragedy has particularly impacted the local agricultural community, as Pepito was a notable figure in the farming sector, praised for his dedication to food production. Anelys Ramírez, the municipal delegate of Agriculture in Taguasco, highlighted his contributions on Facebook, noting the deep void left by his and his son's deaths.
The community has responded with an outpouring of grief and support. “An irreplaceable loss for our municipality,” stated a local official. “Agriculture has lost a model producer,” Ramírez added, referring to Pepito Rodríguez.
Raúl Basilio, the driver of the Geely MK, also lost his life along with his passengers: Karina Sánchez Sánchez, aged 27, and Mario Bárbaro Ramos Díaz, aged 25, both from Jatibonico, Sancti Spíritus. This recent accident reignites concerns over the high incidence of road accidents in Cuba, exacerbated by deteriorating infrastructure, aging vehicle fleets, and reckless driving.
As investigations continue into the exact causes, the people of Zaza del Medio and the province of Sancti Spíritus pay their respects to the victims, bound by their shared love for their homeland and lives tragically cut short.
Key Questions on Road Safety in Cuba
What factors are being investigated as causes of the accident?
Excessive speed and poor road conditions are being explored as possible contributing factors to the accident.
How has the community responded to the tragedy?
The community has shown an outpouring of grief and solidarity, mourning the loss of prominent local figures and supporting the families affected.
What is the current state of road safety in Cuba?
Cuban roads are marked by high accident rates due to deteriorating infrastructure, aging vehicles, and driver negligence, with over 600 fatalities reported in 2024.