Early Wednesday morning, a truck belonging to the Electric Company overturned while attempting to cross the bridge on 27th Street in Pueblo Nuevo, Holguín, directly across from the remnants of the old coffin factory.
The bridge, which has been visibly deteriorating for months, partially collapsed under the truck's weight, causing the accident. Witnesses reported that the occupants managed to escape unharmed, and no injuries were reported.
Initial reports suggest that the truck lost control after hitting a deep pothole at the bridge's entrance. The surface had been lifted by recent rains and the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Despite the driver reportedly traveling at a slow speed due to the weather conditions, the bridge's entrance gave way under the vehicle's weight and its cargo, which was allegedly transformers. "The driver was going slow because of the rain, and the bridge entrance was damaged. It gave way due to the weight," detailed Arturo Manuel Batista, an eyewitness to the incident.
Photos of the accident quickly spread across social media, sparking a wave of reactions. While the incident did not result in fatalities, the community sees it as a stark warning of potential future dangers if urgent action isn't taken.
"That bridge was devastated by the cyclone. It was only a matter of time," noted a local resident.
Warnings Ignored and Official Inaction
Residents of Pueblo Nuevo had repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by the bridge. Following Hurricane Melissa and subsequent cold fronts, the structure showed visible signs of collapse: destroyed railings, unstable pavement, and an increasingly eroded foundation.
Content creator Maikel CG issued a message to the Provincial Road Directorate, Municipal Defense Council, and other authorities, highlighting the "imminent danger and urgent need for a solution" at the site:
"The destruction of the passageway and the current state of the ruins endanger the lives of pedestrians and drivers. The recent vehicle accident is proof that human loss is a real threat if action isn't taken now," he posted on Facebook.
The communication called for the establishment of a visible safety perimeter both day and night and suggested closing the route until repairs are made. Traffic was advised to be redirected via Real Street.
Public Outrage
Social media erupted with comments pointing to institutional negligence and lack of foresight. Some locals claimed, "That bridge has been in ruins for years," and that repairs have been superficial at best.
Many questioned why traffic had neither been rerouted nor properly marked. "Everyone living in Holguín knows you can't pass there. That truck isn't from here," one user commented. Another replied, "And where was the danger sign?"
The consensus was clear: this accident was preventable. "They should have closed that street already. This didn't need to happen," an internet user wrote. "They always wait for a tragedy to act," another added.
Some noted that the driver might have been exhausted from working long hours on hurricane recovery efforts. "It's not time to criticize the driver, but to assess the condition of both the truck and the bridge," remarked Milanis Delgado.
A Structural Crisis
The incident in Holguín is not an isolated case. Over 70% of roads in Cuba are in poor or terrible condition, according to transportation experts. Lack of maintenance, accumulated deterioration, and a shortage of construction materials have stalled rehabilitation projects across many provinces.
Hurricane Melissa left not only homes destroyed but also bridges ruined, road segments vanished, and communities cut off. Cuba's road infrastructure faces a severe crisis, evident at every corner.
Citizens continue to urge authorities to take action before lives are lost. As emphasized in the communication sent to Road Authorities:
"Establish a strict safety perimeter and visible signage (day and night) to prevent vehicle and pedestrian access to the collapsed area until the bridge is repaired. Preserve human lives."
Frequently Asked Questions About Holguín Bridge Safety Concerns
What caused the truck accident on the Holguín bridge?
The accident occurred when the truck lost control after hitting a deep pothole at the bridge's entrance, which had been damaged by recent weather conditions and the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Were there any injuries reported from the Holguín bridge accident?
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the occupants managed to escape the overturned truck unharmed.
What actions are locals demanding after the bridge accident?
Residents are calling for the establishment of a visible safety perimeter and the closure of the bridge until repairs are made, along with rerouting traffic to ensure safety.