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Varadero Toll Reopens After Fatal Crash Claims Two Lives

Monday, July 7, 2025 by Amelia Soto

The Varadero toll has resumed normal operations this Sunday following a devastating accident that resulted in the loss of two lives when a car crashed into the barrier wall. After extensive cleanup and reorganization of the area, traffic was restored on the usual route by 10:30 PM on Saturday, according to Roberto Bernal Villena, the Provincial Director of Transportation in Matanzas, as reported by the Cuban News Agency.

Bernal Villena noted that after the incident, professionals from the Arentur Varadero company conducted a thorough recovery operation. All electronic toll barriers leading to the resort are operational, except for one experiencing an electrical malfunction. The regular entry fee to the tourist hub is applied, set at 40 Cuban pesos for motorcycles, cars, jeeps, vans, and pickup trucks, while microbuses, buses, trucks, and tractor-trailers are charged 80 pesos.

Victims' Identities Revealed

Rubén Lantigua, a U.S. resident originally from Corralillo, Villa Clara, and Amanda Naranjo Pino, from Perico and residing in Cantel, tragically lost their lives on Saturday when their vehicle, traveling at high speed, crashed into the barrier. While local media reports claim Rubén was 69 years old, a source told CiberCuba that Lantigua was 33 and Amanda Naranjo was 30. Amanda was a mother to a young girl.

Contrary to social media rumors suggesting the driver was intoxicated, witnesses and sources assert that Rubén Lantigua, who was driving the car, did not consume alcohol. The accident happened around 5:40 PM as a private vehicle heading from Varadero to Boca de Camarioca lost control and violently struck the masonry divider near the toll booth.

Accident Details and Aftermath

Eyewitnesses recounted that the car was speeding when it collided with the toll structure. The impact was so severe that the vehicle was launched into the air, split into two upon landing, and one half caught fire, causing an explosion visible from several points in the vicinity.

Sandra Loureiro, Director of the National Road Center, clarified that the burning half of the car rolled towards the toll booth area. The fire partially reached the infrastructure, though significant damage to the booths was avoided. However, one column required evaluation by technicians.

Varadero Toll Accident: Key Questions and Answers

What caused the Varadero toll accident?

The accident was caused when a car lost control and crashed into the masonry barrier near the toll booth at high speed.

Who were the victims of the Varadero toll crash?

The victims were Rubén Lantigua, a U.S. resident originally from Corralillo, Villa Clara, and Amanda Naranjo Pino from Perico, who was residing in Cantel.

Is the Varadero toll operational after the accident?

Yes, the Varadero toll has resumed normal operations, with all electronic barriers functioning except one with an electrical issue.

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