A passenger truck veered off course and collided with a pole this past Friday in Carbonera, a coastal town in the municipality of Cárdenas, resulting in 22 injuries, two of which are critical, as reported by TV Yumurí and Periódico Girón.
Yamira López García, the provincial health director of Matanzas, confirmed the incident's toll and noted that most victims were assisted and transported to medical facilities by private vehicles passing by, due to the immediate lack of ambulances.
The two critically injured were taken to the Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández Clinical-Surgical Teaching Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care.
The other injured individuals, who are not in life-threatening condition, were treated at the Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy Provincial Military Teaching Hospital.
A witness from Carbonera described the chaotic scene on social media: "The truck's steering broke. It crashed into a sign. Neighbors here helped get the injured out," he commented on a Facebook post by journalist Christian Arbolaez, who was among the first to report the accident. The same witness confirmed that there were no fatalities.
Another person following the situation from the hospital remarked, "I have a friend at the military hospital; she tells me many people are arriving."
Transportation Challenges in Rural Cuba
Carbonera is a small rural settlement located along the coast between the cities of Matanzas and Varadero, with a population of just over 1,500 residents.
The mechanical failure in the truck's steering, as reported by witnesses, highlights the widespread deterioration of Cuba's vehicle fleet. In the face of a severe transportation crisis, cargo vehicles converted for passenger use are a daily sight on the island.
This type of accident has become increasingly common in recent months. In May, a ZIL-130 truck adapted for passengers crashed in Villa Clara, resulting in two deaths and 13 injuries. In October, a collision between a Viazul bus and a truck in Camagüey led to one death and eight injuries.
Alarming Road Accident Statistics in Cuba
The frequency of road accidents in Cuba is alarming: in 2025, 750 people died in traffic accidents —an increase of 18.2% from the previous year— with over 7,500 incidents reported, according to data from the National Commission of Road Safety cited by Infobae. In the first quarter of 2026, 153 fatalities were already recorded.
The local state-run press indicated that this news story is still developing, and the numbers may be updated in the coming hours.
FAQs on Road Safety and Accidents in Cuba
What caused the recent accident in Matanzas?
The accident was caused by the passenger truck losing steering control, which led to it crashing into a pole.
How many people were injured in the Matanzas accident?
A total of 22 people were injured, with two in critical condition.
What is the current state of road safety in Cuba?
Road safety in Cuba is concerning, with a significant increase in traffic accidents and fatalities over recent years.