Not even the script of a satirical Cuban comedy could capture this scene better. Over the weekend, a patrol car belonging to the Cuban National Revolutionary Police (PNR) found itself stranded in a waterlogged Havana street, offering a spectacle that was quickly immortalized on social media. A video shared on TikTok by user coloraodt revealed two officers, barefoot and with rolled-up pants, laboriously pushing the official vehicle as if it were an old cart stuck in the mud.
The footage, which sparked a multitude of reactions, highlighted the indifference of onlookers who did not lift a finger to assist the agents of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). The patrol car, marked with the number 722, appears to be a Peugeot 301, a sedan model frequently used by the PNR in recent years. While its front-wheel drive and basic design may suffice for regular duties, this incident clearly demonstrated its unsuitability for navigating deep puddles.
The scene drew mockery from Cuban netizens, who seldom find such opportunities to express feelings typically suppressed due to fear of investigation and punishment by the authoritarian regime. It remains unknown whether the incident was reported to the police leadership or if the officers have since been equipped with rubber boots for future watery challenges.
What is certain is that the episode underscored the struggles faced by Cuban law enforcement, whether battling against the public's prevailing sentiments or the rainwater that floods streets lacking proper drainage, leaving behind scenes reminiscent of a biblical deluge, with patrol car 722 playing the ark.
Wheel Troubles Amid Repressive Priorities
The spectacle of patrol car 722 being manually pushed through the rain is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern illustrating the conditions—and contradictions—of the police vehicle fleet in Cuba. In recent years, PNR patrol cars have been involved in numerous accidents, some quite severe. In July 2024, an immigration patrol was part of a triple accident in Villa Clara. Just two months earlier, in May, another police vehicle was involved in a multi-car crash in the same province.
In April, a patrol car collided with a tourist vehicle on the national highway, and in February, images surfaced of a fatal accident in Havana involving an officer. Also, in November 2023, a patrol car crashed into the Malecón wall, raising further questions about the technical state of these vehicles and the training of their drivers.
Despite these recurring incidents, the Cuban regime has continued to invest in its fleet of patrol cars, as evidenced by the arrival of a new batch of police vehicles in September of that year. Meanwhile, public transportation on the island is nearing collapse, plagued by broken buses, canceled routes, and endless lines. The roads remain in disrepair, full of potholes, puddles, and impassable sections, with no signs of real investment in infrastructure improvement.
This disparity sends a clear message: while the State allocates resources to bolster its means of control, it neglects to enhance mobility conditions for its citizens.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuban Police Vehicles
Why did the patrol car get stuck in Havana?
The patrol car got stuck in a puddle due to its unsuitability for navigating deep water and the poor infrastructure of Havana's streets, which often lack adequate drainage.
What model was the stranded patrol car?
The stranded patrol car was a Peugeot 301, a commonly used sedan model by the Cuban National Revolutionary Police.
How did the public react to the incident?
The public showed indifference, with onlookers not assisting the officers. The incident also sparked mockery among Cuban netizens, who rarely find such opportunities to express their suppressed sentiments.