Recently released images underscore the severity of a collision that took place in Santa Marta, a locality in the Cárdenas municipality of Matanzas, on Thursday. This accident, involving a passenger vehicle and a tractor, resulted in injuries to 12 individuals, including a 15-year-old girl.
Photos shared by Radio Varadero on Facebook vividly depict the aftermath of the crash. The tractor was found overturned, with its wheels facing skyward on the pavement. Meanwhile, the passenger vehicle, a blue and white car, suffered significant damage to its front end after colliding with the tractor's trailer. The incident occurred at the bustling intersection of Vía Rápida and Calle 12 in Santa Marta.
Though the exact causes remain under investigation, local reports suggest that inattentiveness to vehicle control and right-of-way violations might have contributed to the crash, as these are common factors according to the National Commission for Road Safety.
The injured were initially treated at medical facilities in Varadero and later transported by ambulances from the SIUM Regional Base in Cárdenas. Eleven of the injured were admitted to the “Julio Aristegui Villamil” Territorial Hospital, while the adolescent was taken to the Provincial Pediatric Hospital due to her injuries.
All patients sustained multiple traumas and underwent diagnostic evaluations to assess their conditions. No fatalities have been reported so far, but health authorities have indicated that the patients are still under clinical observation and monitoring.
Dr. Pedro Pablo Olivera, deputy director of the Cárdenas hospital, stated that more detailed updates on the patients' conditions would be provided once specific diagnostics are complete. "The necessary conditions for medical care of all injured have been established," he assured.
Radio Varadero used the impactful images to emphasize the importance of adhering to road safety measures and complying with Law 109 of the Road Safety Code, stressing the need for responsible driving. "It's better to lose a minute in life than life in a minute," the local media outlet concluded, appealing to public awareness during the busy summer months when traffic, particularly motorcycles and light vehicles, increases.
As of this report, no further updates on the condition of those injured in the Santa Marta accident have been provided.
Current Traffic Accident Statistics in Cuba
The latest data from the National Commission for Road Safety reveals the following figures up to the end of May 2025:
- Reported accidents: 3,035 (a decrease from the previous year).
- Injured individuals: 2,670 (also declining).
- Fatalities: 290 (unfortunately, an increase).
- Main causes: driver distraction, right-of-way violations, speeding, technical failures, and alcohol consumption.
- Pedestrians: 23% of the fatalities were pedestrians, making it the deadliest type of accident, with one fatality every five incidents.
- Involvement of vulnerable vehicles: There is a rise in accidents involving motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, and cycle taxis, with the latter seeing an increase in deaths and injuries.
- Serious accidents (January-May): 11 serious accidents reported, resulting in 30 deaths and 130 injuries.
FAQ About Traffic Safety in Cuba
What were the main factors contributing to the Santa Marta accident?
Local reports suggest that inattentiveness to vehicle control and right-of-way violations were likely factors in the accident.
How many people were injured in the Santa Marta accident?
A total of 12 individuals were injured, including a 15-year-old girl.
What kind of injuries did the victims sustain?
The victims suffered multiple traumas and underwent diagnostic evaluations to determine their conditions.