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A man riding a bicycle died on the night of this Wednesday after being struck by a car at the intersection of Porvenir and B streets, in the Lawton neighborhood, municipality Diez de Octubre, Havana.
Reports on social media claim that the driver of the vehicle fled the scene, leaving the cyclist lying on the roadway without assistance.
Witnesses confirmed that the victim died at the scene of the accident.
The incident was initially reported by the news portal La Tijera, which stated that “the power had just gone out in the area,” and that the accident occurred “in the darkness.”
However, multiple neighbors refuted this version, claiming that at the time of the incident there was indeed electricity, and the area was illuminated.
"I live on the corner, and they haven't turned off the power here all day; the traffic light was working, and that area over there is well-lit," commented a user on the post.
Another neighbor added, "In the images, it is clearly seen that there is light; the houses are also illuminated."
The confusion over whether there was a blackout at the time of the accident sparked a debate among users, although everyone agreed in condemning the driver's behavior, who fled without offering assistance.
"That driver will never sleep peacefully again, damn it... You shouldn't do that even to a dog," commented an internet user, visibly outraged.
Witnesses reported that the body lay on the road for quite a while.
"I passed by there just under an hour later and the body was still in the street," wrote a witness.
The pain of loss was especially felt in the emotional testimony of a Spanish citizen, Francisco Javier Moral Polo, who identified the victim as his friend "Omar."
"Just a few days ago, I was talking to him at his workplace in Galiano. Omar was a special man, full of life, hardworking, always helping others. I can't believe he's gone. Rest in peace, my friend," he wrote as part of his heartfelt remembrance.
Some neighbors reported that the area is dangerous even in daylight, due to the recklessness of the drivers.
“At that traffic light, almost everyone runs the red, especially those coming from Porvenir towards Virgen del Camino,” recounted a mother who takes her daughter to a nearby preschool every day.
Several comments demanded that the access to security cameras—if available—be reviewed, and that the driver be brought to justice.
“Even if he wasn't at fault, fleeing makes him a criminal. What if the man was still alive?”, questioned another user in outright condemnation of the cowardly behavior of the driver who fled the scene.
As of the closure of this report, there are no additional details regarding the unfortunate incident.
More fatalities from traffic accidents in Cuba in the first quarter of 2025
In recent days, semi-official sources revealed that, by the end of April, Cuba recorded 2,377 traffic accidents, representing a decrease of 150 road incidents compared to the same period in 2024.
However, the number of deceased increased, despite the reduction in the number of injured.
According to Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, head of the Specialized Traffic Organ of the PNR, 91% of accidents are due to human factors, especially a lack of attention while driving, disregard for right-of-way, and excessive speed, which causes 21% of fatalities.
Sundays and Tuesdays are the days with the highest number of fatalities, and the critical time is between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m.
There is also a reported increase of 25% in fatalities from motorcycle and moped accidents, which now account for more than half of the incidents. Authorities have issued more than 235,000 fines so far this year.
The Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, acknowledged that the results are unsatisfactory and called for the reinforcement of road safety education and the expansion of alcohol testing on public roads.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Traffic Accident in Havana
What happened in the accident in Havana where a cyclist died?
A cyclist died after being hit by a car at the intersection of Porvenir and B streets in the Lawton neighborhood. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene after the accident, leaving the cyclist without assistance in the public roadway.
Was there a blackout at the time of the accident?
There was no blackout at the time of the accident according to the neighbors. Although it was initially reported that there was a power outage in the area, multiple witnesses contradicted this version, indicating that the area was well-lit.
What are the common causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
91% of accidents in Cuba are due to human factors. The main causes include lack of attention while driving, disregard for right of way, and speeding, which is responsible for 21% of fatalities in traffic accidents.
What measures are being taken to improve road safety in Cuba?
Authorities have called to strengthen road education and expand alcohol testing controls. However, the numbers of accidents and fatalities remain high, indicating that more effective measures and better road infrastructure are needed.
How does the lack of infrastructure affect the safety of cyclists in Cuba?
The lack of adequate infrastructure and insufficient signage increases the risk for cyclists. These factors, combined with the deterioration of the vehicle fleet and the recklessness of drivers, significantly contribute to the high number of accidents involving cyclists on the island.
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