Three of the eight injured in the mass pedestrian accident that occurred in Havana during the early hours of Monday remain hospitalized at the Calixto García University Hospital, as confirmed by Dr. Iliovanys Betancourt Plaza, the general director of that medical center.
The information was provided through the National Television News and Channel Caribe, in the first official update on the condition of the injured.
The patients -whose identities have not been disclosed- present a stable clinical picture, with favorable progress since their admission, according to the specialist.
However, despite the fact that their lives are not at risk, the three continue to be under strict medical observation due to the possibility of complications that may not be immediately visible.
"His evolution has been stable and favorable, without injuries that endanger their lives, although they remain under strict observation because hidden injuries typical of this type of trauma could emerge," explained Dr. Betancourt Plaza.
The specialist specified that a total of seven people were admitted to the Calixto García Hospital, including the only fatality of the incident, a 35-year-old woman, who died just a few hours after being received in the emergency room.
“She had multiple fractures in her limbs, which caused her death a few hours after arriving at the hospital,” the doctor detailed.
An unresolved fact
The incident that has shocked the Cuban capital occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Monday and affected various areas of Centro Habana and La Habana Vieja.
According to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), a driver struck nine people during a short journey that spanned several central streets of the city.
Official information indicates that the incidents occurred in different locations, although close to each other, within just a few kilometers.
The alleged responsible party for the incident was arrested shortly after the events.
Authorities have confirmed that it is a foreign resident in Cuba, but they have not disclosed either his identity or nationality.
It is currently "under investigation," according to the initial statement from MININT, which also stated that efforts are being made "to clarify the circumstances of this unfortunate event."
So far, no additional updates have been provided by MININT or the official media, beyond the clinical report from the hospital.
In light of the official silence regarding the driver and the precise details of the incident, witness testimonies and independent media have circulated unconfirmed reports suggesting that the vehicle involved might be a red Audi.
The driver reportedly drove the wrong way down Reina Street and proceeded down Galiano Street, hitting several people along the way, including a man who was riding a bicycle-taxi.
Some witnesses suggest that the individual may be Cuban-American or Italian, and they speculate on the possibility that he was under the influence of narcotics at the time of the incident.
However, these claims have not been confirmed by official sources.
Traffic accidents are common in Cuba, where the poor condition of the roads and the vehicle fleet contribute to the high rate of traffic incidents. However, a multiple accident of this magnitude and with such erratic patterns—occurring in various locations and during the early hours of the morning—is quite unusual.
The lack of concrete and up-to-date information has fueled public uncertainty surrounding the case. For now, the only thing confirmed by the authorities is that the alleged perpetrator is in custody, that the events are under investigation, and that three victims remain hospitalized, without life-threatening risks but under specialized observation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the mass pedestrian accident in Havana
What is the current condition of those injured in the accident in Havana?
Three of the eight injured remain hospitalized at the Calixto García university hospital, with a stable clinical condition and favorable progress, though under strict medical observation due to the possibility of hidden complications.
What is known about the driver responsible for the multiple hit-and-run?
The driver, a foreign resident in Cuba, was arrested shortly after the incident. He is currently under investigation, although authorities have not disclosed his identity or nationality.
What details are known about the vehicle involved in the incident?
Unconfirmed testimonies suggest that the vehicle involved might be a red Audi, which drove the wrong way down several streets in Havana, hitting several people. These details have not been confirmed by the authorities.
How have citizens reacted to the lack of official information?
The lack of concrete and up-to-date information about the case has generated uncertainty and discomfort among citizens. Neighbors and witnesses have shared their own accounts of the incident, indicating a general feeling of outrage and distrust towards how the authorities are handling the case.
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