In a heart-wrenching incident on Wednesday, a tragic traffic accident claimed the lives of two individuals, including a young child, in the Loma de Justiz area of Guanabo, located in the Habana del Este municipality. The victims, an eight-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man, were struck by a car that eyewitnesses reported as speeding excessively before veering off the road and hitting them.
A third pedestrian remains hospitalized in critical condition. Witnesses, who shared photos and accounts of the accident on social media, described how the white Hyundai collided with the pedestrians walking along the road's edge. The images show the vehicle with a completely crushed front, stopped at the side of the hill, as at least two motorcycle police officers examined the scene. The impact was so severe that both the child and the young man died instantly.
The driver, identified as Richard González, was accompanied by three other passengers who sustained minor injuries. According to one social media account, the driver attempted to flee after the crash but was intercepted by law enforcement and is currently detained at the Guanabo Police Station. However, this version of events was disputed by Yuleisy Lazo, who identified herself as a relative of the driver, denying that her cousin tried to escape. "It's a huge tragedy for the families (including me, as I'm his cousin!), and we need to see clearly what happened. There is too much speculation. First of all, he never fled. He went directly to the police station as soon as it happened! I'm deeply sorry, with pain in my soul, and I speak for the family. We are very saddened by what happened. But please, do not believe everything published," she commented on a post by Yuriel Fernández about the tragic incident.
Dangerous Roads
The accident site, Loma de Justiz, has been the subject of numerous complaints from locals, who label this stretch of road as a critical danger zone. Many internet users have pointed out that the road's poor paving and lack of adequate sidewalks pose a daily risk to pedestrians, including many children and students. One of the most vocal critics has been Dariela Muñoz, a local resident and indirect witness to the tragic event.
"The accident happened right at the corner of my house, and thankfully I didn't see it because I would have had a heart attack. I knew both of the deceased, and the pain grips my chest so tightly I still can't process it," Muñoz wrote on Facebook, noting that she lives very close to the accident site. "It's needless to say that hill is a nightmare. When are the authorities going to fix that awful street? It's a danger with no full sidewalk. Cars cross the lane recklessly, and when they're not doing that, water trucks speed down the hill. It's disgusting," she added.
According to Muñoz, this wasn't the first fatal accident in this area, and she expressed the anxiety of mothers whose children must traverse this zone daily to attend school. In fact, several locals recalled another deadly accident two years ago at the same spot, where a motorcyclist died after colliding with a tourist vehicle.
Concerning Statistics
Earlier this week, Transport Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila released the road accident statistics for the first quarter of the year. The report states that 173 people lost their lives in traffic accidents from January to March 2025, marking an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Although the total number of accidents decreased from 1,882 to 1,738, and injuries fell from 1,601 to 1,514, pedestrian accidents remain a leading cause of death on Cuban roads, ranking as the third most common cause in this category.
Key Questions on Road Safety in Cuba
What is the main cause of accidents on Cuban roads?
Excessive speed and poorly maintained roads are significant contributors to accidents in Cuba, as highlighted by the recent tragic incident in Loma de Justiz.
How has the Cuban government responded to the rise in traffic fatalities?
While the government has released accident statistics, there is ongoing criticism about the lack of effective measures to improve road conditions and reduce traffic fatalities.
What steps are being taken to address dangerous road conditions?
Residents have been vocal about the need for better road maintenance and infrastructure, though significant changes have yet to be implemented by authorities.