A Gazelle taxi driver from the company Taxis Cuba was severely assaulted after refusing to transport two passengers who intended to travel with excess baggage.
The Facebook page of Transportación Habana reported that the attack occurred on Thursday afternoon at the taxi stand in Santiago de las Vegas, in the Cuban capital. The driver Eliasv Alonso Cruzat, in charge of the Gazelle H12-204, was getting ready to transport passengers to the Train Terminal when he was attacked by two individuals who struck him in the head.
Although the company prohibits transporting passengers with oversized luggage, the two men ignored the regulations and became angry with the driver.
According to the Transportación Habana page, Eliasv Alonso kindly explained the prohibition to them, but people attacked him "with a blunt object."
"This act is not only a crime of physical assault against a public servant, but a direct attack on someone who strives to serve the working people," the statement condemned.
Dozens of internet users reported the incident on social media and agreed that, due to the limited space in these vehicles, it is not feasible to transport large luggage.
"Everyone knows that these vehicles have little space and that you cannot transport either suitcases or large parcels in them. The rest is social indiscipline and a crime of aggression. Those responsible should be penalized," wrote a Cuban.
This is not the only act of vandalism against taxi drivers in Havana.
In May, another Gazelle driver sustained a four-stitch head injury following an alleged stone attack by a group of delinquents in Havana. The incident took place after the taxi left the stand in the Playa municipality.
The recent wave of attacks, which has included throwing stones and other blunt objects at operational vehicles, has caused not only considerable material damage such as shattered windows, windshields, and doors but also injuries to passengers and drivers.
These events, classified as "highly harmful" by the Prosecutor's Office, have raised significant concern among the population, which relies on a transportation system already severely impacted by resource shortages and the limitations imposed by the country's economic crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Attacks on Taxi Drivers in Havana
What happened to the Gazelle driver who was attacked in Havana?
The driver of a Gazelle taxi was assaulted after refusing to transport two passengers with excess luggage. These passengers, upset by the driver’s refusal, attacked him with a blunt object to the head, despite the company regulations that prohibit transporting large luggage due to limited space in the vehicles.
What is the situation of public transportation in Havana?
Public transportation in Havana faces a significant crisis due to a lack of fuel, spare parts, and resources, which has resulted in only a portion of the fleet being operational. Additionally, there has been an increase in vandalism and assaults against drivers and vehicles, further exacerbating the already critical public transportation situation in the city.
What measures are being taken in response to the assaults on taxi drivers in Cuba?
Cuban authorities have initiated criminal proceedings against those responsible for the assaults, and have emphasized the importance of citizen collaboration to prevent future incidents. However, the recurrence of these events highlights the need for a more effective and sustained response from the government.
How has the population responded to the attacks on public transportation in Havana?
The population has expressed its concern and rejection of the vandalistic attacks against public transportation, demanding concrete actions to ensure the safety of passengers and drivers. The rising violence and the deterioration of service reflect social frustration over the lack of effective solutions from the government.
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