A tragic vehicular accident occurred on Thursday at kilometer 291 of the National Highway, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and leaving a woman critically injured. The incident took place in the section of the highway that passes through the municipality of Placetas, in Villa Clara province.
The unfortunate event happened around 4:30 PM when a privately-owned Jeep Willy, with the license plate P 204139, veered off the road down an embankment, according to Ondrey Candelario Ozuna, director of CMEP Radio Placetas.
Among the deceased was Dioelmis Roche Cuenca, a 51-year-old from Moa in Holguín province. The second victim was a male whose identity had not been confirmed at the time of initial reports.
The injured survivor, Migdalia Miranda Hernández, also from Moa, Holguín, was critically injured and transported to the Intensive Care Unit at Arnaldo Milián Castro Hospital in Santa Clara, the leading medical facility in Villa Clara.
All three vehicle occupants initially received medical care at Placetas municipal hospital. The fact that they were all from Moa, Holguín, suggests they were on a long-distance journey when the accident happened.
Dr. Víctor Manuel Cabrera Díaz, the municipal health director in Placetas, confirmed that medical teams were working to stabilize the injured woman. The Ministry of the Interior is currently investigating the cause of the accident.
This incident adds to a series of recent tragedies on the same highway. On May 1, a truck overturned at kilometer 297 in Villa Clara after hitting a pothole.
On May 3, a massive bus accident in Cienfuegos injured 48 people, with three in critical condition.
The deteriorating state of the roads, unmarked potholes, unmarked slopes, and the aging vehicle fleet have been identified as recurring factors contributing to the increasing number of accidents on the National Highway, the main route connecting all provinces in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about National Highway Safety in Cuba
What caused the recent accident in Villa Clara?
The accident was caused when a Jeep Willy veered off the road down an embankment. The Ministry of the Interior is investigating the specific causes.
Who were the victims of the accident?
The victims included Dioelmis Roche Cuenca, a 51-year-old from Moa, Holguín, and an unidentified male. Migdalia Miranda Hernández survived but remains in critical condition.
What are the main causes of accidents on the National Highway?
The deteriorating conditions of the roads, unmarked potholes, inadequate signaling of slopes, and the aging vehicle fleet are significant factors in the high accident rates on the National Highway.