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A traffic accident occurred on Calzada Calixto García, in the La Esperanza neighborhood of Arroyo Naranjo municipality in Havana, when an urban microbus known as "Gacela" lost control after its steering failed and collided with a telephone pole.
"A passenger minibus lost its steering and crashed into a telephone pole, leading people using the phone service to report being without communication. There were passengers who suffered some bumps and bruises, but nothing serious," stated the Facebook profile identified as La Tijera.
According to their report, another minibus traveling behind the accident vehicle transported the injured to Julio Trigo Hospital for medical attention. The damaged "Gacela" was servicing route number 20, from San Miguel del Padrón to Playa.
At the time of writing this note, local authorities and state media have not reported any information about an incident that, in addition to injuries, left several customers of the Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A. (ETECSA) without landline service.
Recurring accidents involving the "Gazelles" in Cuba
This incident is part of a series of accidents involving "Gacela" minibuses in Havana and other provinces in Cuba, highlighting the decline of the public transportation system on the island.
In November 2024, a malfunctioning traffic light caused an accident at a busy intersection in Havana, where a motorcyclist was severely injured after being struck by a "Gacela."
In June 2024, a triple collision in a busy area of the capital resulted in several injuries and significant material damage. Among the vehicles involved was a "Gacela," which once again raised concerns about the safety of public transportation on the island.
In November 2023, a “Gacela” was involved in an accident due to a blowout of one of its front tires, resulting in several injuries in a central area of the capital.
In August of the same year, a taxi was destroyed after being struck by another "Gacela" in Havana. A few days later, a diplomatic vehicle collided with a similar minibus, resulting in four people injured. Additionally, in October 2023, a hearse overturned after colliding with a "Gacela" in Camagüey.
These recurring incidents highlight the deterioration of the vehicle fleet and the lack of preventive maintenance in public transport vehicles in Cuba. Factors such as poor road conditions, a shortage of spare parts, and the aging of the fleet exacerbate this situation, impacting the safety of drivers and passengers in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about "Gacelas" Accidents in Cuba
What happened in the "Gacela" minibus accident in Havana?
A "Gacela" minibus lost control after its steering failed and crashed into a telephone pole, leaving several passengers with minor injuries and disrupting fixed phone service for ETECSA users.
Why are accidents involving "Gacelas" in Cuba so common?
Accidents involving the "Gacelas" in Cuba are frequent due to the deterioration of the public transportation system, which includes the poor condition of the vehicles, lack of preventive maintenance, and scarcity of spare parts. These issues are exacerbated by the aging fleet and the poor state of the roads.
How does the poor condition of the "Gacelas" affect road safety in Cuba?
The poor condition of the "Gacelas" significantly impacts road safety in Cuba by increasing the likelihood of accidents due to mechanical failures, such as steering breakdowns or tire blowouts. The age of the vehicles and the lack of spare parts contribute to an unsafe public transportation system.
What impact does the fuel shortage have on the operations of the "Gacelas" in Havana?
The fuel shortage has significantly reduced the operational capacity of the "Gacelas," with only 60% of the fleet currently in operation. This limitation severely impacts the mobility of citizens in Havana, as the daily transportation demand cannot be met.
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