Mario Pontolillo, a 56-year-old Italian citizen, has been identified by Cuban prosecutors as the person responsible for a tragic crash in Havana that resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to eight others. Remarkably, just six years ago, Pontolillo appeared on national Cuban television, portraying himself as someone eager to "help the Cuban people." In 2019, he was a guest on the show A Todo Motor, which at the time focused on the cultural and recreational project Moto Cien.
During the program, when asked what attracted him most to Cuba, Pontolillo offered a message of solidarity: "To assist the Cuban population, to lend a hand when disasters like tornadoes strike, is a good way to think about everyone in the world." This statement, shared by him on Facebook, now resurfaces with bitter irony as his name is linked to a tragic event that has deeply shaken the island.
On Thursday, the Cuban government finally disclosed the identity of the suspect involved in the early morning incident of August 25, which claimed the life of Mairovis Valier Heredia, a mother of three. This revelation came after more than a week of silence and widespread speculation.
According to a statement from the Cuban Prosecutor's Office, Pontolillo, a permanent resident in Cuba, is currently detained under provisional arrest and is barred from leaving the country. He is being investigated for what is described as a "deliberate act of running people over" in the streets of Centro Habana and Old Havana. The prosecutor's office has stated that efforts are ongoing to complete the investigation and that they will seek penalties that reflect the severity of the incident.
For days, the lack of official information fueled rumors and suspicions of a cover-up, especially following an investigation by the independent media outlet 14ymedio, which initially pointed to another Italian businessman with close ties to the Cuban regime. Although this version was later dismissed, it left the impression that there was an attempt to shield individuals connected to the government.
The revelation that Mario Pontolillo is the accused not only shifts the course of the case but also highlights the stark contrast between the "friend of Cuba" persona he once projected on television and his current legal predicament as the alleged perpetrator of a crime that has brought grief to several families in Havana.
Key Questions About the Havana Traffic Incident
Who is Mario Pontolillo?
Mario Pontolillo is a 56-year-old Italian citizen, known for previously appearing on Cuban TV as a supporter of the Cuban people. He is now accused of causing a fatal traffic accident in Havana.
What happened in the Havana accident?
The incident involved a multiple-vehicle collision in Havana, resulting in the death of Mairovis Valier Heredia and injuries to eight others. Pontolillo is accused of deliberately causing the accident.
What are the legal repercussions for Pontolillo?
Pontolillo is currently held in provisional detention and prohibited from leaving Cuba while the investigation proceeds. The Cuban Prosecutor's Office plans to seek penalties proportional to the gravity of the crime.