A serious traffic accident in Mayarí, Holguín, on Sunday left five young individuals, aged between 18 and 34, injured. According to official reports on social media, two of the victims are in critical condition, two others are in serious condition, and the fifth is currently "under observation."
The accident occurred around 6:30 p.m. near Guanina, specifically at the Yaya Uno descent, when a private black vehicle traveling from Mayarí to Guanina veered off the road for reasons still under investigation, as reported on Facebook by Emilio Rodríguez Pupo.
The Condition of the Injured
The Mártires de Mayarí hospital provided updates on the status of those injured in the crash:
- Anyelo Antonio López Beltrán, 20, is in critical condition.
- Abdiel Alejandro Campos Céspedes, 18, is also critically injured.
- Ariel Sánchez Batista, 20, is in serious condition with a cranial trauma and has been transferred to Holguín city.
- Yulio Quiala Sánchez, 34, is in serious condition.
- Odel Emilio Magaña Chacón, known as "Chopo," 18, remains under medical observation.
Anika Lao Texido, the municipal public health director, reported that three ambulances were mobilized for emergency transfers to hospitals in Holguín. Additionally, a specialized vehicle was deployed to support the logistics.
The Revolutionary National Police (PNR) is conducting investigations to determine the cause of the accident. The highest authorities from the Party and Government in Mayarí visited the hospital, monitoring both the recovery of the injured and the medical response operation. As of the latest update, no further information on the incident has been released.
Rising Traffic Fatalities in Cuba's Early 2025
Recently, official media revealed that up until the end of April, Cuba recorded 2,377 traffic accidents, marking a reduction of 150 incidents compared to the same period in 2024. However, the number of fatalities has increased, despite fewer injuries.
Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, head of the PNR's Specialized Traffic Unit, stated that 91% of accidents are attributed to human factors, such as inattentive driving, failure to yield, and speeding, which accounts for 21% of the fatalities. Sundays and Tuesdays are the deadliest days, particularly between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. There's also been a 25% rise in fatalities involving motorcycles and mopeds, now making up over half of all incidents.
Authorities have issued more than 235,000 fines this year. Transport Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila acknowledged the unsatisfactory results and urged for enhanced traffic education and increased alcohol testing on public roads.
Understanding Cuba's Traffic Challenges
What caused the recent accident in Holguín?
The accident occurred when a private vehicle veered off the road for reasons currently under investigation.
How are the authorities responding to the increase in traffic fatalities?
Authorities are focusing on enhancing traffic education and increasing roadside alcohol testing to address the rise in fatalities.
Which days are the most dangerous for road accidents in Cuba?
Sundays and Tuesdays, particularly between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., see the highest number of fatal accidents.