Five people were injured, including a one-year-old girl, when a car struck a bicycle on the morning of this Tuesday in the municipality of Puerto Padre, Las Tunas province.
According to official sources, the injured in the accident are Xiomara Rodríguez Filantro, Daniel Pérez Pérez, Raúl Pérez Machado, Edel Ramírez Garcés, and the girl Nasly Pérez Fernández.
The five injured individuals were immediately taken to the Guillermo Domínguez López General Teaching Hospital in Puerto Padre, where the Integrated Medical Emergency System was activated, and they received care from a multidisciplinary team, reported the broadcaster Radio Victoria.
Two of the injured required transfer to provincial hospitals, specified journalist Rosa María Ramírez Reyes in a post on her Facebook profile.
One of the individuals - it was not specified which one - was sent to Ernesto Guevara Provincial Hospital in the head municipality, and the minor was taken to Mártires de Las Tunas Pediatric Hospital for “cerebral contusion without neurological impairment at the time of care, and with facial edema”, as explained by Dr. Renato Almaguer Bosch, a pediatric specialist.
In preliminary reports of the accident on Facebook groups, witnesses claimed that the car, a Lada, lost control and ran over a man and a child who were riding a bicycle, both of whom were seriously injured because the vehicle "fell on top of them."
However, that version of events has not been confirmed by official sources, which have also not provided information on how and why this terrible accident occurred, in front of the Forest of Love and the Electromedicine Workshop, on the road to the hospital.
The photos and videos of the collision scene show the car completely overturned and the bicycle wrecked.
Several people commented in Facebook posts about the poor condition of the road in that area, while others pointed to possible speeding or the Lada's technical shortcomings as likely causes of the accident.
As of the time of publishing this note, the authorities have not provided updated information on the status of the injured.
This event adds to the concerning list of traffic incidents in Cuba, many of which involve cyclists, one of the most vulnerable groups on the country's streets.
Frequently Asked Questions about the accident in Las Tunas and road safety in Cuba
What happened in the accident in Las Tunas that left several injured?
A car collided with a bicycle in the municipality of Puerto Padre, Las Tunas, resulting in five people injured, including a one-year-old girl. The injured were taken to Guillermo Domínguez López General Teaching Hospital, and two of them required transfer to provincial hospitals for specialized care.
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
In Cuba, the main causes of traffic accidents are the poor condition of the roads, the lack of vehicle maintenance, and excessive speed. These factors, combined with inattention while driving, the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and other driver negligence, significantly contribute to the high rate of accidents in the country.
How has the Cuban government responded to the frequent traffic accidents?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its lack of immediate response and transparency in communication regarding traffic accidents. Although some efforts have been made to improve road safety, the general perception is that the measures have not been sufficient to effectively address the issue.
What measures could be taken to improve road safety in Cuba?
To improve road safety in Cuba, it is essential to enhance road infrastructure and ensure proper maintenance of vehicles. Additionally, there needs to be stricter compliance with traffic regulations and greater awareness of responsible driving among drivers.
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