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A large pit filled with sewage in the middle of the street in Santiago de Cuba put two motorcyclists in serious danger on Saturday night as they were riding along Calle 6 between Escario and Enramada during a blackout.
"Thank God they only suffered scratches on their legs," reported user Mario Mastrapa Rodríguez in the group Facebook "ACCIDENTS BUSES & TRUCKS for more experience and fewer victims!".
The publication raised concerns about the lack of signage on a key stretch connecting to Garzón Avenue, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city.
The shared images show a massive crater that spans almost the entire width of the street, which has raised significant concern among residents and internet users.
Some users reacted with irony to the obvious danger: "I was told that with a white worm it doesn’t sting, it has to be red," joked one, as if the pothole were a fishing pond. Another commented that it looked "like a swimming pool."
This is not an isolated case.
Only days before, in Havana, an electric tricycle flipped over after falling into another deep and flooded pothole on the Calzada de San Miguel, in front of the hardware store in the La Cuevita neighborhood of San Miguel del Padrón.
The vehicle was carrying several passengers who, fortunately, emerged unscathed, although they ended up wet and stuck in the dirty water that covered the street.
Photos of that incident circulated widely on social media and sparked harsh criticism regarding the deplorable state of the streets in the capital, which are filled with potholes that collect sewage water.
A user pointed out: "I'm sure that the potholes in the street, along with the sewage water in the middle of it, are what contribute to this situation," questioning the government's inaction regarding a chronic problem.
In the midst of this situation, humor has also served as a means of protest.
The content creator Eddy Ceballos has gained recognition with his satirical series "Despingovery Channel", where he turns the potholes of Havana into "natural wonders" and classifies them as if they were scientific phenomena: from "the suspension devastator" to "the lagoon of Cuatro Caminos".
But beyond the humor, real incidents like the one in Santiago de Cuba reflect a serious issue: the deterioration of urban infrastructure in many areas of the country, where a blackout, an unmarked pothole, and a bit of dirty water can lead to an accident.
Residents of the area are calling for urgent intervention: at the very least, to place "a barrier indicating the proximity of the hole" before a more serious tragedy occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Condition of the Streets and Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What is the current state of the streets in Santiago de Cuba?
The streets of Santiago de Cuba, just like in other cities in the country, are in deplorable condition, with numerous potholes and a lack of signage, posing a danger to drivers and pedestrians. Recent incidents reflect a serious deterioration of urban infrastructure.
What risks are associated with potholes and sewage in Cuban streets?
The potholes and sewage waters in Cuban streets pose a significant risk of accidents, especially for motorcyclists and cyclists. The lack of maintenance and proper signage increases the likelihood of traffic accidents, such as the recent incident in Santiago de Cuba where two motorcyclists nearly fell into a hole filled with sewage.
What measures are being taken to improve road safety in Cuba?
So far, no specific measures have been reported by the authorities to address the chronic issue of poorly maintained roads. The government’s inaction regarding the deterioration of the streets is a constant concern among citizens, who are demanding urgent interventions to prevent greater tragedies.
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