A motorcycle collision in Yateras, Guantánamo, on Thursday resulted in injuries to two individuals and prompted a swift response from local emergency services.
The Yateras Red Cross shared the incident on their Facebook page, posting images of their response at the scene of the accident.
According to their report, the crash resulted in "two injured persons, one categorized as a red code and another as a green code." A red code indicates a patient in critical condition needing urgent care, whereas a green code signifies less severe injuries.
The report highlighted the effective coordination between the municipal and provincial Red Cross, along with the Provincial Integrated Medical Emergency Service (SIUM), which facilitated the treatment and transport of the injured parties.
No specific details regarding the cause or circumstances of the accident, nor the identities of those injured, were provided in the published bulletin.
This incident in Guantánamo adds to a series of recent tragic traffic accidents that have caught public attention.
Earlier in November, the motorcycle community in Havana mourned the loss of Joel Milera Barceló, known locally as "El Miller." A renowned electric motorcycle battery repairman, Milera died after losing control of his vehicle on the Malecón, near the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital.
Eyewitnesses and social media users expressed their shock over the event. Milera was transported to the Calixto García Hospital, where his death was confirmed.
Additionally, the community recently reported the death of Marcia Deulofeu Hernández, who succumbed after 21 days in critical condition following a motorcycle accident in Artemisa.
These incidents underscore the ongoing concerns about road safety in Cuba and the increasing number of motorcycles and scooters on the roads.
Official data highlight a troubling trend: motorcycles and mopeds are involved in over half of the country's traffic accidents—52%—and account for 32% of fatalities and 42% of injuries, according to the National Road Safety Commission.
The rise in motorcycle use in recent years is also attributed to the collapse of public transportation, pushing many to choose these vehicles as an alternative means of travel.
On social media, both drivers and residents frequently cite the poor condition of certain roads and reckless driving as factors that heighten the risk of accidents.
In the Yateras case, users expressed relief that there were no fatalities and emphasized the fragility of the transportation system. "Wishing the injured a speedy recovery and urging caution to drivers; everyone wants to leave and return home safely," wrote a Santiago de Cuba resident.
Meanwhile, the statistics and stories of victims and survivors continue to fuel the call for improved road conditions, preventive campaigns, and heightened traffic oversight.
Motorcycle Safety and Traffic Concerns in Cuba
What are the conditions of the roads in Cuba?
Many roads in Cuba are in poor condition, with potholes and uneven surfaces, contributing to the risk of traffic accidents.
Why are motorcycles so prevalent in Cuban traffic accidents?
The prevalence of motorcycles in Cuban traffic accidents is due to their increasing number on the roads, as many opt for them amid the collapse of public transportation.
What measures are being called for to improve road safety in Cuba?
There is a call for better road conditions, more preventive safety campaigns, and increased traffic supervision to enhance road safety in Cuba.