Cuban authorities have provided clarity on the incident that occurred this past Saturday at the corner of Zapata and Paseo in El Vedado, where a motorcyclist unexpectedly plunged into a sinkhole after the pavement gave way. Contrary to initial reports that suggested the mishap took place on the sidewalk, Radio Taíno, a state-run media outlet, clarified that the accident actually happened in the courtyard of a multi-family building. Years ago, a pit in this location had been improperly sealed without adequate safety precautions.
Over time, the makeshift structure weakened until it finally collapsed under the weight of the motorcyclist and his bike, leading to the unexpected cave-in. Fortunately, the driver survived the ordeal and was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure, with no serious injuries reported.
“A Tremendous Scare”: Witnesses Describe the Collapse
Residents of the building recounted the event, describing the noise as so loud that it "felt like the ground had opened up." Several neighbors rushed to assist the motorcyclist, managing to rescue him before the arrival of firefighters and the Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIUM).
The dramatic images of the incident, which quickly spread across social media, reveal the massive sinkhole that swallowed part of the pavement, exposing a dangerous cavity beneath the surface.
Old Structures, New Dangers
The event has reignited concerns about the decaying infrastructure in Havana, where numerous old buildings conceal pits, tanks, or weakened foundations that pose a constant threat to residents. While this incident did not result in fatalities, it highlights once again the lack of maintenance and structural oversight in the capital's older urban areas.
"Today it was a sinkhole, tomorrow it could be a building," lamented a local resident, capturing the widespread anxiety among Habaneros over the city's visible deterioration.
Concerns over Havana's Infrastructure
What caused the motorcyclist to fall into the sinkhole?
The motorcyclist fell into the sinkhole due to the collapse of a weakened pavement over an improperly sealed pit in a building's courtyard.
Were there any injuries reported from the incident?
The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons, but no serious injuries were reported.
What concerns have resurfaced due to this incident?
The incident has raised concerns over the deteriorating infrastructure in Havana, highlighting the risks posed by old buildings with weakened foundations or sealed pits.