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The worker who died in the tragic fire of an alcohol tanker truck in Matanzas has been identified as Joaquín Cotera García, a veteran of the TransCupet Matanzas company, with over 30 years of service.
The organization itself confirmed his death in a social media post, describing him as "one of our founders" and highlighting his impeccable attitude, commitment, and responsibility in carrying out his duties.
"Your colleagues will always remember you... Fly high and rest in peace," expressed your coworkers in an emotional farewell message shared on Facebook.
The accident that cost him his life occurred on Monday afternoon, when a tanker truck from the company TransCupet, with license plate B233 908, overturned and caught fire while transporting 17,000 liters of warehouse alcohol on the South highway, between the municipalities of Colón and Calimete.
According to the preliminary report, the tragedy was triggered when the driver of the truck attempted to cross a section with reduced visibility due to a fire in the roadside.
In the thick smoke, he encountered another vehicle and, while maneuvering to avoid it, lost control of the truck, which ended up crashing into a pole and rolling over in the burned area.
Due to the highly flammable nature of the cargo, the vehicle caught fire immediately, not giving Cotera García, who was traveling as the co-pilot, time to exit the cabin.
The fire triggered a major emergency, requiring the intervention of five fire trucks from Colón, Calimete, Cárdenas, and Matanzas, with the participation of 23 personnel in the firefighting efforts.
Officials from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and the Risk Reduction Management Center of Colón also joined the effort, along with four water trucks to supply the emergency teams.
The truck driver managed to survive, although he was injured and was taken to a medical facility. So far, there have been no updates on his health status.
The accident sparked a wave of shock on social media, where many mourn the loss of Joaquín Cotera García and have sent messages of support to his family and colleagues.
However, there have also been criticisms directed at some individuals who, instead of offering assistance or respecting the tragedy, chose to record and share images of the fire online.
Officials from the Party and the Government of the affected municipalities, along with executives from CUPET, visited the site of the accident to supervise the removal of the wrecked vehicle and assist in coordinating the post-accident efforts.
This unfortunate event leaves a void at TransCupet Matanzas, which has bid farewell to one of its most veteran employees, remembering him as a man of principles and unwavering commitment to his work.
Frequently Asked Questions about the tanker truck fire in Matanzas
Who was the fatal victim of the tanker truck fire in Matanzas?
The fatal victim was Joaquín Cotera García, a veteran employee of the TransCupet Matanzas Company. Cotera García had over 30 years of service and was regarded as one of the founders of the company. His colleagues remembered him as a person of integrity and dedication to his work.
How did the tanker truck accident happen in Matanzas?
The accident occurred when the tanker truck, carrying 17,000 liters of alcohol, overturned and caught fire while attempting to cross a section with reduced visibility due to a fire in the ditch. Amid the smoke, the driver tried to avoid another vehicle, lost control, and crashed into a pole, causing the truck to overturn and subsequently catch fire.
What was the response of local authorities to the tanker truck fire?
Local authorities, including CUPET executives and representatives from the Party and the Government, went to the scene of the incident. They supervised the firefighting efforts and the removal of the damaged vehicle, as well as coordinated post-accident tasks.
What criticism emerged on social media following the tanker truck accident in Matanzas?
On social media, there was criticism towards people who chose to record and share images of the fire instead of helping the victims or respecting the tragedy. This attitude was widely condemned by users who expressed their sorrow for the loss of Joaquín Cotera García.
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