A nine-year-old boy died and three other family members were injured in a tragic accident after the tricycle they were traveling in was hit by a Girón bus in the Arroyo Naranjo municipality of Havana.
The unfortunate traffic accident occurred on Tuesday night at a curve in the Mantilla neighborhood, in the La Palma area, according to various reports on social media.
The bus reportedly struck the tricycle from behind. According to witnesses, the child was ejected from the vehicle, falling underneath the bus, which then ran over him.
Published images show the tricycle closely positioned at the front of the bus.
Another photo shows a body covered with a sheet on the back of the bus.
According to a report from a witness at the Aballí hospital, the child arrived already deceased.
The boy was accompanied by his grandmother, his grandmother's husband, and a girl.
The grandmother of the deceased minor is in intensive care, but her life is not in danger, according to a source familiar with the case who spoke to CiberCuba.
A witness explained that the accident occurred when the bus driver tried to swerve to avoid a lady and ended up colliding with the light vehicle from behind.
However, other testimonies suggest that the bus driver may have been under the influence of alcoholic beverages at the time of the accident.
The case has sparked a wave of sadness and shock on social media.
Some users of the Facebook group Accidents Buses & Trucks have also criticized the poor conditions of the tricycles, which are often used as a means of transportation in Cuba.
The tragic incident has also sparked a debate on the need to improve the technical conditions of vehicles on Cuban streets and the importance of respecting traffic regulations.
Accidents show no mercy on Cuban roads.
In another recent traffic accident with a fatality, a motorcyclist died last week after being struck from behind by a truck, which launched him into the middle of the road, where he was then hit by another vehicle. The incident occurred in Virgen del Camino, also in Havana, and the truck driver fled the scene.
Awaiting an update on recent events, at the beginning of July, Cuban authorities stated that in the first half of 2024, the country recorded 543 fewer incidents compared to the same period the previous year.
In the official television program Mesa Redonda, Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, head of the Specialized Traffic Department of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), also reported that there were 81 fewer fatalities (23%) and a reduction of 151 injuries (5%) between January and June of this year, compared to the same period in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What happened in the accident in Havana where a child died?
In the Arroyo Naranjo municipality of Havana, a Girón bus rear-ended a tricycle carrying a family, resulting in the death of a nine-year-old child.
How does the condition of Cuban roads affect road safety?
Road safety in Cuba is severely impacted by the poor conditions of the roads and many vehicles, such as tricycles and buses that operate throughout the country. This situation, coupled with the failure to adhere to traffic regulations, has resulted in a high number of accidents, leading to increased social concern and criticism of the authorities.
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The human factor is the main cause of traffic accidents in Cuba, according to local authorities. Additionally, poor road and vehicle conditions, along with alcohol consumption by some drivers, are highlighted. These factors significantly contribute to the high incidence of accidents in the country.
What measures have been taken in Cuba to reduce traffic accidents?
Despite efforts to improve road safety, such as the reduction in the number of reported accidents in the first half of 2024, these measures have not been deemed sufficient according to public perception. Enhancements in infrastructure and strict enforcement of traffic regulations are critical areas that require urgent attention.
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