A devastating accident occurred in the town of Santa Rita, located in Granma province, on Tuesday night, involving a horse-drawn cart and a jeep. The collision resulted in a tragic outcome, with a young man suffering severe injuries and subsequently dying at the hospital, as confirmed by official sources and eyewitnesses.
Yunier, the young man who tragically lost his life, was one of the jeep's passengers. He became trapped in the vehicle when a metal rod from the cart pierced his body, according to several social media reports.
The dark night was filled with moments of desperation and tension as local residents frantically worked to cut the metal rod that had impaled Yunier, while medical professionals on the scene provided urgent care. Dr. Julio Longo, a surgeon, and Dr. Nordanis Osorio Rodríguez, an anesthesiologist, both residing near the accident site, played a critical role in assisting the injured. This was revealed by another doctor, Rafael José Sánchez Vázquez from Bayamo, on Facebook.
Witnesses captured images of the harrowing rescue efforts, showing neighbors and medical staff striving to save Yunier's life. Despite their valiant attempts, once he was finally freed from the wreckage and rushed to the nearest hospital by ambulance, his injuries proved fatal.
Social media users were the first to report the tragic event, sharing videos that documented the intense efforts to rescue Yunier. The page "La Tijera" identified him by his first name and posted photos of him before the accident, during the rescue, and as he was being transported to the ambulance.
The official Facebook page of the Citizen Portal of Granma, affiliated with the provincial government, confirmed the fatality in a brief statement: “Fatal accident in Santa Rita, Granma. A jeep collides with a dark 'carretón.' We are following up on this information! As far as we know, 1 deceased!”
Authorities in the province have yet to provide further details regarding the tragic traffic accident. The causes remain unknown, and it is unclear if there were additional injuries.
Growing Concerns Over Dangerous Nighttime Conditions
The ongoing presence of horse-drawn carts without lights on Cuban roads at night continues to be a significant concern for drivers and the public due to the dangers they pose. Accidents involving these carts frequently occur in both rural and urban areas across the country, highlighting a troubling pattern: the coexistence of motorized vehicles and animal-drawn transport on roads lacking signage, lighting, and proper conditions.
Traffic accidents remain one of the leading causes of death and severe injuries in Cuba. Between January and August of this year, 502 people lost their lives in road accidents. This figure represents 80% of the fatalities from this cause for the entire year of 2024, indicating a rise in traffic-related mortality.
According to data from the National Commission of Road Safety, seven out of every ten incidents during this period involved casualties, with vehicle collisions being the most dangerous type of accident, accounting for 36% of total deaths.
Granma province, along with Villa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, and Artemisa, is among the most critically affected areas. In the first eight months of 2025, accidents in these territories increased by more than a third compared to the previous year.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The main causes include collisions between vehicles, poor road conditions, and the presence of unlit animal-drawn carts at night.
How many people died in traffic accidents in Cuba this year?
In the first eight months of the year, 502 people have died in traffic-related incidents.
Which provinces in Cuba have the highest rate of traffic accidents?
Granma, Villa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, and Artemisa are among the provinces with the highest incidence of traffic accidents.