A tragic accident occurred when a truck driver lost his life after his vehicle overturned on the steep Rejondones Hill in Báguanos, Holguín. Photos showing the overturned truck were shared by Elier García Martínez in the Facebook group "ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES por más experiencia y menos víctimas!”
Comments on the post revealed that the victim, known as Jorgito, hailed from Cárdenas, Matanzas, and was employed as a driver for Almacenes Universales S.A. Varadero. Yionnis Calderín, a colleague, expressed his sorrow on Facebook, "It happened on the Rejondones hill. He was a driver for Almacenes from Cárdenas, a coworker of mine, an excellent driver and father."
Yuni Benítez, a relative of the deceased, shared an emotional farewell in the comments. "My uncle, we are all devastated. I hope God welcomes you into his kingdom. You were the heart of our family, and we will never forget you," she wrote.
Jeovanys Martínez also paid tribute, saying, "That was Jorgito's truck from Almacenes Universales in Cárdenas. Rest in peace, a great friend and driver. My condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers."
Infrastructure and Vehicle Conditions Under Scrutiny
This tragic event underscores the poor condition of Cuba's road network and vehicular fleet, highlighting the potential dangers posed by heavy cargo vehicles. Frequent truck rollovers on the National Highway, often due to mechanical issues, excessive speed, driver fatigue, and inadequate infrastructure, have been identified as a "structural problem" requiring urgent attention.
In a related incident, a truck overturned at kilometer 126 on the same highway, causing only material damages with no injuries reported, according to local sources. The accident occurred when the heavy vehicle destabilized and tipped over to the side of the road. Witnesses and photos shared online depict the trailer lying on the roadside.
While numerous online users speculated that the driver fell asleep, there are no official statements regarding the cause of this incident.
Frequently Asked Questions about Truck Accidents in Cuba
What are common causes of truck accidents in Cuba?
Common causes include mechanical failures, excessive speed, driver fatigue, and poor road infrastructure.
How does Cuba address the issue of frequent truck accidents?
Cuba faces challenges in addressing these issues due to limited resources and infrastructure, but there is a recognized need for urgent attention to improve road safety.