On Monday morning, yet another traffic accident shook the city of Santiago de Cuba when a tourist vehicle was totaled after losing control on a notorious curve. Journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported via social media that the incident occurred on the Siboney road, near the Algarrobo curve, close to the local zoo.
The crash happened as the car, allegedly speeding, hit a pothole and lost stability mid-curve. Eyewitnesses claimed the vehicle was traveling at over 100 km/h when it veered off the path, as noted by the reporter. Shared images display the car with its front completely wrecked, indicating a total loss.
Locals attribute the crash to both the poor condition of the road and the excessive speed, recognizing the area for its inherent danger. The vehicle involved seems to be a rental car, signified by the "T" on its license plate, and is suspected to be a Dongfeng Aeolus, a Chinese brand increasingly common in Cuba's tourist rental and state transport sectors.
Community Reactions and Concerns
In the comments section, many expressed their concerns over the accident, pointing out the reckless driving and hazardous nature of the area. "It's a dangerous stretch, and irresponsibility only adds to the risk. It's vacation time, and many children are around. We need to be cautious," wrote Yailin García Roger, after observing that the car ended up on the sidewalk.
Manuel Mateos Melis added, "The roads are bad, but nothing justifies that speed." Meanwhile, Ariel La Sirenita KG commented, "It's a miracle he didn't die. Believe me, he thought he was flying. If they're alive, they were born again." Jorge Martínez Reinosa warned, "You have to go slow there; the downhill is a bit rough."
Growing Traffic Concerns Across Cuba
Yanelis Pupo Lawrence shared a personal story, stating, "In that same place, I lost a dear friend in a motorcycle accident." Traffic incidents remain a leading cause of casualties in Cuba, exacerbated by poor road infrastructure, reckless driving, and inadequate vehicle maintenance.
In Artemisa, an interprovincial bus overturned, injuring over 20 people, including minors and foreign tourists. Another tragic event occurred at Havana's entrance, where a private taxi collided fatally with a truck, resulting in multiple deaths.
Furthermore, a tragic accident between two motorcycles in eastern Cuba left one dead and a child injured after a head-on collision on a rural road. The lack of signage and dangerous rail crossings were highlighted in an incident near Expocuba, where a train struck a car, injuring several people.
Recently, a state taxi brand Gazelle fell into a ditch after losing control on an interprovincial road. These incidents underscore Cuba's high accident rates, threatening the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The mix of structural and human factors calls for urgent measures to curb this alarming trend.
Key Concerns About Traffic Safety in Cuba
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The primary causes of traffic accidents in Cuba include poor road conditions, excessive speed, reckless driving, and inadequate vehicle maintenance.
Why are tourist rental cars frequently involved in accidents?
Tourist rental cars are often driven by visitors unfamiliar with Cuba's roads, which may lack adequate signage and maintenance, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
How does poor infrastructure contribute to road accidents?
Poor infrastructure, such as damaged roads and lack of proper signage, can lead to loss of vehicle control and collisions, significantly contributing to traffic accidents.