A devastating road accident in Havana claimed the lives of at least three individuals this past weekend, including a foreign tourist and two young men fulfilling their military service duties. The incident unfolded on the First Ring Road near the Combinado del Este.
According to social media reports, the tragedy occurred when a Russian-made Wuat military jeep, belonging to the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), lost control, reportedly due to a tire blowout. The jeep collided head-on with a Mercedes taxi carrying a tourist, who died instantly from the severe impact.
The taxi driver, known as "Titico," is a Varadero resident with over two decades of driving experience. He was critically injured and transported to the Naval Hospital in Havana, as reported by various online sources. Close acquaintances of the taxi driver revealed that the tourist was a regular client, often traveling exclusively with Titico.
The military jeep was transporting several young recruits serving Active Military Service. Among the fatalities were two recruits: a 19-year-old from Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba, and another from Camagüey. The funeral for the young man from Santiago took place on Monday, July 21, according to social media user Alexander Ríos Cruz.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that three other young recruits were also in the vehicle and are currently in critical condition. The nationality of the deceased tourist has not yet been disclosed, and reliable information regarding the accident remains scarce on social media.
Local authorities have attributed the tragic accident, which occurred near the area known as "El Repollo" and close to the access bridge to the Combinado del Este, to excessive speed. The portal CubaHerald reported that, according to sources close to the investigation, one of the drivers was traveling at a speed exceeding the legal limit in that zone, which complicated evasive maneuvers and led to the head-on collision.
Images circulated on social media depict not only the wrecked state of both vehicles but also a significant military presence at the accident site. The incident has sparked outrage online due to the use of state vehicles in poor condition and the lack of transparency in cases involving military personnel.
Many internet users have also highlighted the urgent need to ensure safe conditions for young individuals serving in the FAR.
Key Questions About the Havana Accident
What caused the military jeep to lose control?
The military jeep reportedly lost control due to a tire blowout.
Who were the victims of the accident?
The victims included a foreign tourist and two young military recruits from Cuba.
What is being said about the conditions of military vehicles?
There is significant outrage regarding the use of state vehicles in poor condition, particularly in cases involving military personnel.