A driver of a Gazelle taxi, part of Taxis Cuba, faced a violent assault after declining to transport two passengers with excessive baggage. The incident was reported by Transportación Habana on Facebook, detailing that it took place on Thursday afternoon at the Santiago de las Vegas taxi stand in Havana.
Driver Eliasv Alonso Cruzat, operating the Gazelle H12-204, was preparing to take passengers to the Train Terminal when two individuals attacked him, striking him on the head. Despite company rules prohibiting the transport of oversized luggage, the men became irate when Alonso adhered to the regulations.
According to Transportación Habana, Eliasv Alonso politely explained the restrictions, but was nonetheless assaulted "with a blunt object." The publication condemned the attack, stating, "This act is not only a physical assault on a public servant but a direct affront to someone striving to serve the working people."
Numerous social media users denounced the attack, noting the limited space in these vehicles makes it impossible to transport large luggage. "Everyone knows these vehicles have limited space, and transporting large suitcases or bulky items is not feasible. Anything else is social indiscipline and an assault crime. The perpetrators should be punished," commented a Cuban woman.
This incident is not isolated; similar attacks on taxi drivers in Havana have occurred. In May, another Gazelle driver received a head injury requiring stitches after allegedly being stoned by a group of criminals in Havana, following his departure from the Playa municipality taxi stand.
The recent surge in such violent acts, involving stone-throwing and other blunt objects against vehicles in service, has resulted in significant material damage, including broken windows, windshields, and doors, as well as injuries to both passengers and drivers. The Prosecutor's Office has labeled these acts as "highly harmful," stirring anxiety among the population who rely on a transportation system already strained by resource shortages and economic crisis-imposed limitations.
FAQs on Taxi Violence in Cuba
What led to the assault on the Gazelle taxi driver?
The driver was attacked after refusing to transport two passengers with oversized luggage, in accordance with company policy.
How did the public react to the assault on the taxi driver?
Many social media users condemned the attack, emphasizing the lack of space in the vehicles and calling for punishment of the offenders.
What are the consequences of the recent wave of attacks on taxi drivers in Cuba?
These attacks have caused both physical injuries to drivers and passengers and material damage to the vehicles, heightening public concern.