A devastating car accident in the area known as the Puente de Los Rastreros, located in the municipality of Majagua, Ciego de Ávila, resulted in the death of one individual and left five others injured, with three in critical condition, as reported by the Provincial Television Center.
The incident occurred when a tourist vehicle carrying six passengers lost control and slammed into a tree beside the road. The severe impact claimed the life of Carlos Crespo Rodríguez, 77, originally from Villa Clara, while the other occupants sustained various injuries.
The injured were rushed to the Antonio Luaces Iraola Provincial Hospital in the capital city of Ciego de Ávila. Among the injured are:
- Yulianis Barrera Oliva (14, from Morón), with an open skull fracture.
- Calixto Eloy Crespo Caso (53, originally from Villa Clara and residing abroad), suffering from hemothorax and closed abdominal trauma.
- Brian Pérez Oliva (23, Morón), with multiple contusions.
- Dionnis Yulien Barrera Martínez (43, Morón), with bilateral pelvic fracture.
- Felicia Oliva Abreu (52, Morón), with pelvic fracture and fractures in the L2 and L3 vertebrae.
Three of the victims remain under intensive medical care. Social media images reveal the car utterly wrecked and still lodged in the tree, while firefighters and rescue workers were on the scene.
Unraveling the Causes of the Crash
Authorities are currently investigating the causes of the accident, with initial suspicions pointing to a loss of control of the vehicle. Unfortunately, this is not the first major accident in Majagua in recent months.
In early July, another accident on the Río Grande highway resulted in three deaths—including two minors—and at least 16 injuries when a vehicle from the Hydraulic Resources Company overturned after losing control.
Ongoing Traffic Hazards in Majagua
The recurring traffic tragedies in the municipality highlight the ongoing concerns of residents and underscore the vulnerabilities of transportation in Cuba. The poor condition of roads, lack of vehicle maintenance, and reckless driving contribute to a persistent environment of fatal accidents.
Meanwhile, the families of the latest victims are grappling with their grief. At the provincial hospital, medical teams are striving to save the lives of the injured. Authorities have pledged to continue investigating this latest incident that casts a shadow over the province of Ciego de Ávila.
Understanding Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What are the common causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
Frequent causes include poor road conditions, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and driver negligence.
How does the government respond to traffic accidents?
The government typically conducts investigations to determine causes and may implement measures to improve safety, although these efforts are often seen as insufficient.