A truck overturned on Monumental Road just before reaching the Santa Fe Bridge in Guanabacoa, once again highlighting the actions of traffic inspectors in hazardous areas. Eyewitnesses claim that the location chosen by the so-called "blues" was crucial in causing the accident.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning, and according to images shared on Facebook by user La Tijera and Alexander Ríos Cruz, the vehicle ended up in a ditch while firefighters attended to the scene. As of now, the exact causes remain unknown, and there is no official confirmation regarding injuries or fatalities.
Witnesses blame the traffic inspectors for stopping vehicles on a slope without protective barriers, which allegedly led the truck to lose control and overturn. One citizen noted that inspectors had more vehicles parked than permitted, causing the driver to veer left to overtake them, resulting in the accident. Another account suggests an inspector stopped the truck at the same spot, and the vehicle's rollback, coupled with the weight of the container, caused it to tip over.
"The 'blues' have a habit of stopping right there on the embankment," complained a social media user, questioning the repetition of such practices in a visibly risky location. The absence of official information leaves many questions about the incident unanswered, while the episode reignites criticism of the inspectors' management, who are often blamed by the public for putting drivers and passengers at risk on Havana's unsafe roads.
On the same day, another dramatic traffic accident took place in the Las Guásimas area of Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, resulting in significant material damage and an injured motorcyclist, whose condition remains unknown. According to social media posts and witnesses, the crash happened when a Hyundai Palisade, one of the newest models circulating in Cuba, failed to observe a "Stop" sign and collided head-on with a motorcycle on the main road.
In a separate incident on the same day, another accident at the intersection of San Lázaro and Escobar streets in Centro Habana involved a motorcycle carrying a young girl, once again exposing the dangers citizens face on poorly marked roads with drivers who disregard the right of way and without an effective traffic control system.
An accident on Friday afternoon in Playa, at the intersection of 19th and 46th streets, resulted in a car overturning in the middle of the road, causing alarm among passersby and local residents. Moreover, on Wednesday in the Calzada de Santo Suárez, Diez de Octubre, Havana, not only was a motorcyclist injured after being hit by a truck, but the incident also sparked social outrage when someone took advantage of the situation to steal from the victim instead of offering help.
Between January and March 2025, Cuba recorded 1,738 accidents, 144 fewer than in the same period the previous year. There was also a decrease in injuries, with 1,514 people hurt—87 fewer than in 2024. However, fatalities increased from 146 to 173, marking a rise of 27 deaths.
Despite the implementation of control measures, road accidents remain a critical issue in Cuba. The government continues to blame human error while avoiding addressing structural causes such as deteriorating roads, inadequate signage, and the public transportation crisis, which forces many to use risky modes of transport.
In January, the government identified drivers as the primary culprits of traffic accidents in Cuba when evaluating the causes of road incidents during 2024. Failing to pay adequate attention to vehicle control was the leading cause of traffic accidents last year, followed by disregarding the right of way and speeding, according to a report by the Specialized Traffic Body of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR).
The Cuban government attributed 91% of traffic incidents to human factors in its 2023 report. Alcohol consumption and traffic law violations also frequently appear as causes of accidents. Additionally, there is a need to reinforce mandatory rest periods for professional drivers and improve structural maintenance of bridges and road signage in high-risk areas.
Contributing to these issues is the widespread deterioration of old cars still operating in Cuba, coupled with poor road conditions, a combination leading to increasingly deadly accidents in the country. The Cuban government has acknowledged that 75% of the nation's roads are in fair to poor technical condition. This situation poses a significant challenge for the communist regime, directly affecting citizens' quality of life and the delivery of essential services.
Key Questions About Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What led to the truck overturning near the Santa Fe Bridge?
Witnesses blame traffic inspectors for stopping vehicles on a slope without protective barriers, leading the truck to lose control and overturn.
What is the Cuban government's stance on the causes of traffic accidents?
The Cuban government attributes the majority of traffic accidents to human error, despite failing to address issues like road deterioration and poor signage.
How has the number of traffic accidents and fatalities changed in early 2025?
Although there were fewer accidents and injuries compared to the previous year, fatalities rose by 27, totaling 173 deaths in the first quarter of 2025.