This Sunday, two dramatic traffic accidents occurred in Varadero, at different locations within the beach resort.
The collisions involved both high-value modern cars (a BMW X6 and a Cadillac Escalade), recently imported to Cuba, as well as classic almendrones (a 1957 Chevrolet and a Buick Roadmaster).
Although the initial report from the news portal La Tijera provided few details, various users on social media pointed out that there are no fatalities.
Miraculously, according to witness reports, there were no fatalities, although at least two people were injured, one of them with fractures.
The events have sparked an intense public debate about reckless driving, the lack of signage, and the contrast between the purchasing power of luxury car owners and the vulnerability of those who rely on the classic almendrones to make a living.
As always, what is known about what happened largely depends on the eyewitness accounts from citizens; however, none of this constitutes official information, as is the case with most accidents that occur in Cuba, which rarely make it to the official press.
First accident: Confusion at the entrance of Varadero
The first incident occurred at the entrance of the resort, in an area where several witnesses agree that the lack of signage has led to repeated confusion.
A modern BMW collided with a golden Buick, whose driver was returning from work.
According to Deynis Lima, “the young man in the modern car ran the stop sign and crashed.”
The victim, a driver of the almendrón, sustained injuries: "only one has fractures, the other suffered a blow to the eye and a split eyebrow."
Other internet users in the area noted that the lack of visible signals and lines contributes to the danger in that zone.
“At this time of the afternoon, the yellow line that divides that path is not visible due to the sun and because it has faded… the signal is missing. In one hour, I saw three cars get confused and take the wrong path,” he commented.
Second accident: Luxury and speed in "the races"
The other collision would have occurred in the area of the former Kawama airstrip, popularly known as "the races."
There, a black Cadillac Escalade collided with a red 1957 Chevrolet, a highly valued gem among collectors.
A local resident confirmed it: “The one with the black Cadillac and the Chevrolet was clearly at the races, on the Kawama track in front of the Dársena.”
The comments suggest that recklessness may have been a key factor.
Rodilandy Hechavarría Negret stated: "The modern car was competing with another and didn't have time to enter its lane; I was there at that moment."
The injured and the controversy over the material and the human
Although most of the comments on social media centered around the cost of repairing the vehicles, some users expressed concern about the lack of empathy towards potential injured parties.
An internet user criticized: "People are more concerned about cars than finding out if there are any passengers with injuries."
"No one has said a single word about how many people there were or if there were any children... the only thing that concerns them is how much they will have to pay," added another.
Deynis Lima also denounced the indifference of those involved: "At no point did I see those who caused the accident worry about the person in the hospital who is believed to have a skull fracture. Hopefully, it is nothing serious."
Debate on Modern Cars in Cuba
The clashes rekindled the debate about the importation of luxury cars in a country with deteriorated roads and lacking the infrastructure to maintain them. Jose Daniela Lodeiro expressed:
"The owner of the Escalade and the BMW is in for a rude awakening; there are no parts for those cars in Cuba, and no insurance that will cover it. That's what people don't realize when they bring modern cars to Cuba."
Other internet users replied that those who own vehicles of this type have the resources to repair them
"Those who can import a BMW or an Escalade to Cuba have the money to restore them or buy another one. The one who really suffers is the owner of the almendrón, who uses it for work."
A user summarized with irony: "At least the Buick looked like a work car. Now only God knows how long that man will go without looking for money, while the ones with the modern cars are crying for maternity leave."
Many users linked the incidents to traffic violations and the festive atmosphere at the end of the season in Varadero. One of them noted:
"That's because people come out of the end of summer and have been drinking for three days straight without sleeping, and then they start driving like that."
Others emphasized the dangerous combination of alcohol and steering.
As of the closing of this report, there are no other confirmed details regarding the incidents in the two accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Accidents in Varadero and Their Context
What vehicles were involved in the accidents in Varadero?
In the accidents in Varadero, modern high-value vehicles such as a BMW X6 and a Cadillac Escalade were involved, as well as classic almendrones like a '57 Chevrolet and a Buick Roadmaster. These vehicles represent both luxury and the necessity for Cubans who rely on almendrones for their daily livelihood.
Were there any injuries or fatalities in the accidents in Varadero?
Fortunately, there were no fatalities in the accidents in Varadero, although at least two people were injured, one of them with fractures. This highlights the seriousness of the accidents in terms of material damage and personal injuries.
What factors contribute to traffic accidents in Cuba?
Traffic accidents in Cuba are caused by multiple factors, including recklessness on the road, inadequate signage, poor road conditions, and alcohol consumption. These factors, combined with the use of old vehicles and lack of road maintenance, exacerbate safety on the roads.
Why is there a debate about the importation of luxury cars in Cuba?
The debate arises because in Cuba, with deteriorating roads and a lack of infrastructure, it is not feasible to maintain luxury cars. Furthermore, those who own these vehicles usually have the resources to repair them, while the owners of classic cars, who depend on them for work, face economic and technical difficulties in keeping their vehicles operational.
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