A severe traffic accident took place on Thursday afternoon at the crossroads of 70th and 19th Streets in the Playa district of Havana, resulting in several injuries, though no fatalities have been reported so far.
Eyewitnesses claim that the traffic light in the area was non-operational due to a power outage, which may have contributed to the collision. A green passenger jeep disregarded the stop sign and collided with a white pickup truck. The impact caused the truck to flip over at least twice, coming to rest upside down on the road.
"Several passengers were thrown into the air," recounted Manuel Viera, an attorney who witnessed the incident and shared photos and accounts on social media. Despite being injured, the truck driver managed to exit the vehicle on his own.
Emergency services arrived approximately 15 minutes after the crash, providing on-site medical attention and later transporting some of the injured to nearby hospitals.
The Growing Concern Over Traffic Accidents in Havana
Traffic authorities have yet to release an official report detailing the exact number of injured individuals or the severity of their conditions. This incident is the latest addition to a rising number of accidents in Cuba's capital, many of which are attributed to infrastructure failures, poor visibility, or reckless driving behaviors, as noted by officials.
Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Havana's Traffic Accidents
What factors contribute to traffic accidents in Havana?
Many accidents in Havana are linked to infrastructure issues such as non-functional traffic lights, poor road conditions, and inadequate signage. Additionally, driver errors and negligence, such as ignoring traffic signals, play a significant role.
How do authorities respond to traffic accidents in Havana?
Authorities generally respond by sending emergency services to provide immediate medical care and transport injured parties to hospitals. They also conduct investigations to determine the cause and hold responsible parties accountable.