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A electric tricycle carrying several people overturned this Tuesday on an avenue in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana, due to a huge water-filled pothole, but fortunately, its occupants were unharmed.
The traffic accident occurred on San Miguel Avenue, in front of the hardware store in the La Cuevita neighborhood, in the busy municipality of Havana, according to a report in the Facebook group “ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES por más experiencia y menos víctimas!”.
The photographs in the post documented the unfortunate incident. One of the images shows the overturned tricycle on its side, in the middle of the flooded street, with passengers still inside the vehicle, fallen into the water accumulated in the hole, possibly due to the rains at the beginning of the week in the capital.
The other photo captured the moment when several people, with water up to their ankles, were getting ready to help the driver flip the tricycle over, while a soaked woman was trying to retrieve her belongings.
"This just happened in front of the La Cuevita hardware store in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana, Cuba. Once again, the danger to lives from electric motorcycles is evident. They are meant for cargo, not for passengers," stated the post by Juan Lamas Martínez.
However, the tricycle driver, Paul Hernández, pointed out in the comments: “I was the one who had the accident, and I'm not a taxi driver; I was out to get supplies for my business, and there were people who helped me and others who stole from me, even though my friends hit their heads hard; that is a huge hole in the street.”
The post immediately drew dozens of comments from group users disagreeing with the author for blaming the tricycle for the traffic accident.
Most people criticized the poor condition of the streets in that municipality—and generally, in the Cuban capital—as they are filled with deep potholes that collect rainwater or sewage; and they blamed the government authorities for failing to address an already chronic problem that jeopardizes the lives of citizens.
Other factors pointed to the lack of public transportation in Havana, which forces the population to rely on means such as tricycles, motorcycles, and bike taxis for their daily transportation.
"But thanks to those motorcycles, the people are able to move about on the streets because if you wait for a bus, you'll never get anywhere. It's clear that the street is broken, full of holes and water, where it's impossible to see the potholes," a man stated.
"I am sure that the potholes in the street, along with the sewage waters in the middle of it, are what contribute to that situation. I think it is easier to weld a pipe or fill a pothole than to eliminate that transport route, which ensures the movement of the population," expressed a woman.
“Maybe it’s not the right vehicle for transporting passengers, but do you know the terrible condition of the streets on San Miguel Avenue?” questioned a young woman. “That stretch, especially between Route 10 and the baseball stadium, is awful for motorcycles, cars, and even the bus when it passes through there. An electric motorcycle is not the only one that has an accident, so, much to my regret, as I am also a scooter driver and often those motorcycles have caused me trouble, the fault lies not with the tricycles but with the poor work of Viales.”
According to one user, “electric motorcycles are not a danger; the real danger comes from the person riding them and the terrible condition of the roads.” Others pointed out possible causes such as high speeds, veering into oncoming lanes, and reckless overtaking by drivers of those vehicles.
Three-wheelers, both electric and fuel-powered, have become an increasingly popular means of transportation in Cuba due to the public transport crisis. The mass use of electric ones has significantly increased since 2024, but it has not been matched by the necessary infrastructure or training to ensure their safety on the road.
As a result, with the increasing use of these vehicles there has also been an increase in the accidents they have been involved in, due to the lack of appropriate regulation and the poor conditions of the streets and roads.
One of the most tragic events occurred in December 2024 in Havana, when a child passed away and three family members were injured in a multiple accident involving a truck and a tricycle.
Another incident in Sancti Spíritus involving a vehicle from the Special Brigade and a tricycle resulted in several injuries.
According to official figures released this week, between January and March, 1,738 accidents were recorded in Cuba, 144 fewer than in the same quarter of the previous year; and the number of injuries in these events also decreased: 1,514 people (87 fewer than in 2024). However, the total number of fatalities increased from 146 to 173 (27 more deaths).
Frequently asked questions about the condition of roads and accidents involving electric tricycles in Havana
Why did the electric tricycle overturn in Havana?
The electric tricycle overturned due to a huge water-filled pothole on the road in San Miguel del Padrón. The deplorable state of the streets, with holes filled with water, poses a serious risk to vehicles and their occupants.
How does the poor condition of the streets affect road safety in Havana?
The poor condition of the streets in Havana, characterized by deep potholes and standing water, constantly puts the safety of drivers and pedestrians at risk. This situation is worsened by the lack of maintenance and the indifference of the authorities in addressing a problem that has become chronic.
What role do electric tricycles play in the transportation crisis in Cuba?
In light of the public transport crisis in Cuba, electric tricycles have become an increasingly popular alternative. However, their growing use has not been matched by the necessary infrastructure or regulations to ensure safety on the roads.
What is the responsibility of the Cuban authorities in road accidents?
Cuban authorities are criticized for their lack of action to improve road infrastructure, which is a key factor in traffic accidents. The lack of maintenance of streets and inadequate regulation increase the risk for drivers and pedestrians.
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