In the early hours of Sunday, a tragic traffic accident claimed the lives of two individuals at the Cojímar roundabout in Havana. According to information sourced from the Facebook page La Tijera and the group "ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES por más experiencia y menos víctimas!", the victims were identified as a woman named Ismaray and a man. Another person involved in the incident was rushed to a hospital and is currently in the intensive care unit.
A witness, who was returning from work at the time, described the scene where a Jeep Renegade lost control and crashed into a tree. "It was truly shocking. Shortly after, ambulances, police, and firefighters began to arrive," the witness recounted.
While the exact cause of the accident remains unknown, numerous internet users pointed out the poor condition and lack of lighting in that section of the roundabout. "I passed by at 4:00 am and the car was completely wrecked. There were two ambulances and two patrol cars. It looked really bad," another user shared, hinting at another severe accident involving a crashed Lada car that occurred near the Pan American Village.
So far, authorities have remained silent regarding this incident and have not officially confirmed the fatalities.
In a related incident, a cyclist was fatally struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Porvenir and B streets in Lawton, Havana, just days prior. The driver fled the scene, leaving the cyclist unattended in the road.
According to the Cuban government, human error is responsible for 91% of traffic accidents on the island. Key factors include driver inattention, disregard for right-of-way, and excessive speed, the latter accounting for 21% of fatalities in traffic incidents.
As of the end of April, 2,377 traffic accidents had been reported, marking a decrease of 150 incidents compared to April 2024. However, the crashes were deadlier, with an increase in fatalities despite a drop in the number of injuries.
Common Questions About Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The primary causes include human error such as lack of attention while driving, disrespecting right-of-way rules, and speeding, which accounts for a significant portion of fatalities.
Has there been a recent decrease in the number of traffic accidents in Cuba?
Yes, there has been a reduction in the number of incidents, with 2,377 accidents reported by the end of April, 150 fewer than the same period in 2024.
Why are many accidents in Cuba more lethal despite fewer incidents?
Although there are fewer accidents, they tend to be more deadly due to factors like poor road conditions, lack of adequate lighting, and insufficient emergency response infrastructure.