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A man riding a bicycle was struck this Thursday by a "almendrón" in the "8 Vías" area, near the Pitirre dam and the Los Amarillos bridge, in the municipality of San Miguel del Padrón, in Havana.
The accident occurred when the vehicle lost one of its wheels while in motion, causing it to run over the cyclist, who was injured but is no longer in danger.
The information was initially shared by the profile La Tijera on Facebook, which specified that the car — one of the classic American cars still circulating on the island — lost a tire after several screws broke, according to eyewitnesses. This account was supported by members of the group "Accidentes Automovilísticos en Cuba".
A user who identified himself as the owner of the almendrón explained on social media that "some screws broke and the tire fell off; with the potholes, even the teeth loosen." He referred to the poor condition of the roads as one of the factors that caused the accident.
This statement highlights the precarious state of the road infrastructure in Cuba, where potholes, lack of maintenance, and the age of vehicles pose a constant risk.
The images of the scene show the almendrón embedded against a power pole, with its front completely destroyed and one of the wheels detached. Just a few meters away, in the grass, a twisted bicycle was found, with the front tire bent and personal belongings scattered across the ground.
According to the report from La Tijera, two people were injured, although this information is yet to be confirmed. According to their details, a woman suffered an open wound to the head, while the man sustained a fracture in his arm and minor injuries to the head. Both were immediately taken to the nearest hospital, where they are in the process of recovering, it was stated.
On the afternoon of last Monday, a traffic accident took place on Escario Street in the Santa Bárbara district of Santiago de Cuba, involving a private car and a motorcycle, with no serious injuries reported.
In addition, in early April a passenger bus overturned near Irijoa in Palma Soriano, leaving 19 people injured. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities and the injuries were minor.
In March, in the locality of Bacuranao, municipality of Guanabacoa, a motorcyclist was struck by a truck after losing control of his vehicle. Fortunately, the driver of the truck was traveling at a low speed, which prevented a fatal outcome. The motorcyclist sustained minor injuries and a shoulder fracture.
On that same date, in the town of Loma de Tierra, municipality of Cotorro, a police patrol collided with a car and two motorcycles, leaving two injured with serious injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What happened in the cyclist's accident in Havana?
A cyclist was struck by an almendrón in the "8 Vías" area of Havana when the vehicle lost one of its wheels, resulting in injuries for the cyclist, although they are out of danger. This incident highlights issues with road infrastructure and the condition of vehicles in Cuba.
How do almendrones affect road safety in Cuba?
Los almendrones, classic cars from the 1950s, pose a significant risk on Cuban roads due to their age and lack of maintenance. Collisions and serious accidents involving these cars are common, highlighting the need to improve both the condition of the vehicles and the road infrastructure.
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba include the poor condition of the roads and vehicles, the lack of proper traffic signs, and human factors such as reckless driving and non-compliance with traffic regulations. These structural and behavioral issues create a constant risk environment for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
What measures are being taken to improve road safety in Cuba?
Despite some efforts by the authorities, such as the reduction in the number of reported accidents, the measures taken have not been sufficient to address the underlying issues. A significant improvement in road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations are needed to effectively reduce accidents in the country.
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