An early morning traffic accident on Tuesday in Santa Rita's overpasses, located in the municipality of Jiguaní, Granma province, resulted in several injuries and significant material damage, according to local media reports. The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. when a privately-owned truck, modified to transport passengers and en route from Santiago de Cuba, lost control and fell from the elevated roadway onto a grassy area below.
Social media images depict the green vehicle with severe front-end damage, surrounded by individuals seemingly receiving aid. Members of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), along with medical and emergency personnel, promptly arrived on the scene to assist the injured and manage the situation.
Yordanis Charchaval de la Rosa, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Jiguaní, was present at the crash site, indicating that authorities are actively investigating the causes of the accident. The injured were taken to the “Edor de los Reyes” Polyclinic in Jiguaní for medical treatment, though the exact number of those affected and the severity of their injuries remain unknown.
Residents in the area confirmed that the accident occurred in a section with a steep slope and limited visibility, a spot notorious for similar incidents in recent years. Images from the scene highlight the impact's severity and the ongoing presence of police and rescue teams while investigations continue.
As of the time of this report, provincial authorities have not released an official statement regarding the accident’s causes or the passengers' conditions involved. CiberCuba will provide updates as more details emerge.
Passenger Trucks: A Persistent Hazard on Cuban Roads
Traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death and injury in Cuba. Recent months have seen several severe incidents across the country. In April 2025, three people were injured in a mass accident in Río Cauto, also in Granma, when a passenger-laden truck overturned due to poor road conditions.
In January, a catastrophic accident in eastern Cuba resulted in multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries when a passenger truck plunged off a cliff. Similarly, in June 2024, a truck adapted for passenger transport was involved in a dramatic accident in Songo-La Maya, Santiago de Cuba, overturning completely on the road.
The recurrence of these incidents highlights the deteriorating state of infrastructure, the poor mechanical condition of vehicles, and the lack of regulation in alternative passenger transport—a widespread practice due to the scarcity of state-run buses.
Understanding Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What caused the truck to fall from the overpass in Granma?
The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. However, it involved a privately-owned truck that lost control and fell from the overpass.
How common are traffic accidents involving passenger trucks in Cuba?
Traffic accidents involving passenger trucks are unfortunately common in Cuba, often due to poor road conditions, deteriorating vehicle states, and lack of regulations.
What measures are being taken to prevent such accidents?
Current measures are insufficient, as evidenced by recurring incidents. There is a pressing need for improved infrastructure, vehicle maintenance, and regulation of passenger transport.