Two citizens were arrested in the Playa municipality as alleged perpetrators of a vandalistic attack on a state Gazelle taxi belonging to the Metrotaxi service, which resulted in injuries to the driver and material damage to the vehicle, reported the Cuban News Agency (ACN).
The incident occurred against one of the units of route 20, which was stoned by the attackers, causing a fracture in the driver's skull, as well as breaking the windows of the minibus.
According to testimonies shared on social media, the swift actions of law enforcement led to the capture of those responsible shortly after the incident.
The injured driver was transferred to the Carlos J. Finlay military hospital, where he received four stitches for the injury sustained, reports confirmed.
The Attorney General's Office of the Republic recently reported that it is overseeing several criminal proceedings related to similar vandalic acts, primarily occurring in Havana. In all cases, those involved have been secured with the precautionary measure of provisional detention.
The authorities insist that they will act in accordance with the rights and guarantees enshrined in the Constitution and current laws.
The attack on the Metrotaxi Gazelle in Playa is not an isolated incident. Only in the month of April, the Cuban capital recorded at least four stone-throwing incidents against public transport buses, all occurring during the early morning and in different municipalities of Havana, according to reports from the Provincial Transport Company and social media posts.
The most recent incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, April 24, when bus 341 on the P13 route was attacked with stones on Calzada de Bejucal and 4th Street in Arroyo Naranjo.
The aggression destroyed the right side window of the vehicle. The driver reported the incident to the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) at the Capri station.
This incident occurred just 24 hours after another similar attack in Santos Suárez, in the Diez de Octubre municipality, against bus 5248 on route 37. Additionally, on April 19, a vehicle serving the P11 confrontation route was also stoned.
Days earlier, in that same area of the Diez de Octubre municipality, another vehicle on route 23 was targeted in a stone attack near Fábrica park, while making its route from the Lawton Terminal. In this instance, the joint intervention of the public and the PNR led to the arrest of several suspects.
Worrying trend
Vandalism is not new. In February, a driver on the P13 route was violently assaulted in Parque de La Fraternidad by two passengers, and suffered a head injury. In January, a group of students threw stones at a bus on the P11 route after an argument with the driver.
The authorities have publicly acknowledged the fragility of the urban transportation system, worsened by the shortage of spare parts, fuel, and vehicles. According to official figures, only 252 buses were operational in Havana, while 309 were out of service, highlighting a severe mobility crisis in the capital.
The state-owned company and law enforcement institutions have reiterated the call for citizen collaboration and the strengthening of vigilance to put a stop to this series of assaults that jeopardize the safety of drivers, passengers, and the infrastructure of public transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vandalism against Public Transport in Havana
What happened in the attack on the Gazelle taxi in Havana?
Two citizens were detained as presumed authors of a vandalistic attack against a state Gazelle taxi in Havana, which left the driver with a head fracture and damaged the vehicle's windows.
What is the current situation of public transport in Havana?
The public transportation situation in Havana is critical due to a shortage of spare parts, fuel, and vehicles, with only 252 buses operational and 309 out of service. This crisis is exacerbated by frequent vandalism that impacts both infrastructure and the safety of passengers and drivers.
What measures are the Cuban authorities taking in response to the vandalism?
The Cuban authorities have detained several individuals responsible for the attacks and they are currently in provisional detention as investigations continue. The General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic has stated that it will pursue public criminal action to bring those responsible to justice, seeking penalties appropriate to the severity of the events.
How are these acts of vandalism affecting the population of Havana?
Vandalism is creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among the population of Havana, who rely on public transport for their daily mobility. Furthermore, the situation is worsened by the scarcity of services and the necessity to wait for long hours to board a bus.
Filed under: