A motorcyclist suffered severe injuries after being struck by a tractor in the town of Dos Caminos, Santiago de Cuba, on Saturday.
Reporter Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared on Facebook that the traffic incident occurred in the late afternoon when the motorcyclist lost control while attempting to avoid a pothole. A tractor, which was reportedly driving on the wrong side of the road, collided with the motorcycle.
Eyewitnesses, as cited by Mayeta, alleged that the tractor driver, known by the nickname "El Niche," was possibly under the influence of alcohol, potentially contributing to the accident.
Following the crash, no ambulance arrived to transport the injured rider to the hospital, necessitating a private vehicle for the transfer. Additionally, there was an absence of police response at the scene, according to the source's information.
Mayeta also noted that the tractor was carrying a water tank meant for a manager at the Paquito Rosales Sugar Company, identified as "Chago." Upon realizing the tractor's significant responsibility in the incident, this individual allegedly leveraged his influence to avoid police involvement and ordered the removal of the motorcycle from the site.
In his post, the reporter demanded answers to several pressing questions: "Why didn't the police respond to such a serious accident? Why were there no ambulances available? How long will influence outweigh a citizen's life? Who will address the hazardous potholes that continue to claim victims?"
The injured motorcyclist, named Jesús Delgado, later clarified details of the accident himself.
Delgado stated that he is recovering from his injuries and emphasized, "Drivers must exercise greater caution on the roads. If there are potholes, they shouldn’t drive against traffic because avoiding a pothole can lead to such incidents."
He corrected earlier reports, stating that he is admitted to the Provincial Hospital, not the Clinical Surgical Hospital, and explained that he arranged for the remnants of his motorcycle to be collected to prevent rumors.
In a comment on the post, Delgado’s cousin, identified as Alejandro López, confirmed that an ambulance did arrive and praised the medical staff for their efforts, despite limited resources. He criticized the narrative presented in the post as gossip.
As of now, no official statement has been released by authorities regarding the accident or any actions taken against the alleged responsible party, which could have been fatal for the motorcyclist.
Data from the National Road Safety Commission reveals that from January to August this year, 5,025 traffic accidents occurred in Cuba—41 more than during the same period in 2024. These incidents resulted in 502 fatalities and 4,516 injuries.
The official report highlighted that in seven out of ten accidents, there were casualties, primarily from vehicle collisions, which remains the "most dangerous" type of accident, accounting for 36% of total deaths.
Key Questions on Traffic Safety in Cuba
What contributed to the accident in Santiago de Cuba?
The accident was reportedly caused by the tractor driving on the wrong side of the road, possibly due to the driver being under the influence of alcohol, and the motorcyclist's attempt to avoid a pothole.
How did the community respond to the accident?
Local reporters and witnesses criticized the lack of immediate police and medical response, raising questions about the influence and responsibility in handling such incidents.
What are the broader implications of traffic accidents in Cuba?
Traffic accidents in Cuba remain a significant concern, with a high number of fatalities and injuries, often exacerbated by poor road conditions and insufficient emergency response.