A tragic accident in Niceto Pérez, a municipality in Guantánamo province, has resulted in the death of a 22-year-old woman and left her companion in critical condition. The pair were riding an electric scooter when it was violently struck by a bus, following the sudden obstruction of the road by an ox-drawn cart.
The incident, reported on Facebook by Miguel Noticias, occurred as the young duo traveled on their small electric bike and were hit after a cart unexpectedly entered their path. The crash proved fatal for the young woman, identified by social media users as Yeni Sarmiento, a resident of Vilorio in Niceto Pérez. Her male companion was urgently transported to the provincial hospital and remains in grave condition.
The initial report came from a follower named Chiquitica Bella, highlighting once again the reliance on social media and eyewitness accounts to learn about events in the country. To date, no official statement has been issued by state authorities regarding the accident, nor have details of any investigation been shared.
Such accidents are increasingly common in Cuba, underscoring the dangerous and complex reality of transportation on the island: a challenging mix of buses, light vehicles, electric scooters, bicycles, and even animal-drawn carts on poorly maintained roads with inadequate signage and safety measures. The Niceto Pérez tragedy adds to a growing list of recent accidents that have claimed young lives and alarmed the public.
Families are shattered, communities are in mourning, and citizens are increasingly aware of the precarious state of the roads and the lack of effective public policies to mitigate these risks. In Cuba, traffic accidents are among the leading causes of death, with poor infrastructure, improvisation in transportation, and the silence of institutions heightening the sense of road insecurity.
Meanwhile, those close to the deceased young woman and the surviving family members grapple with the sorrow of a tragedy that, like many others, could have been avoided in a country where asphalt is interspersed with oxen and citizens face constant danger whenever they venture onto the roadways.
Understanding the Dangers of Cuban Roads
What are the main causes of road accidents in Cuba?
The primary causes include poor road infrastructure, lack of proper signage, and the mix of various types of vehicles and carts on the roads, which leads to dangerous situations.
How can road safety be improved in Cuba?
Improvements could be made by upgrading road infrastructure, implementing better safety regulations, and providing clearer road signage.
Why are social media platforms important in reporting accidents in Cuba?
Social media is crucial because it allows for rapid sharing of information and eyewitness accounts, often filling in the gap left by official reports.