The serious traffic accident that occurred this Thursday at the intersection of 70 and 19, in the Playa municipality of Havana, left several injured and scenes of tension that ended with an unusual incident when it was discovered that the driver of one of the vehicles involved had been robbed of his cellphone.
According to witnesses, a passenger jeep failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with a white Mitsubishi truck, which flipped at least twice in the air before overturning in the middle of the road.
The images shared on Facebook show the truck completely overturned, surrounded by onlookers, while some of the jeep's passengers were being treated after being thrown from their seats due to the impact. The driver of the truck, although injured, managed to get out on his own.
In the midst of chaos and confusion, a neighbor who was recording reported that the driver of the overturned vehicle had his phone stolen. "They stole the driver's cell phone, this is quick," is heard saying in the video posted by the user Alexander Ríos Cruz.
The accident occurred at an intersection where, according to neighbors, the traffic light was not functioning due to a power outage, which may have contributed to the incident.
The ambulances took about 15 minutes to arrive at the scene and transported several injured individuals to nearby hospitals. So far, authorities have not issued an official report with the exact number of injured or their health status, although no fatalities have been reported.
This new incident adds to the long list of traffic accidents that characterize daily life in the Cuban capital, where the poor condition of the road infrastructure, the lack of electricity at traffic lights, and reckless driving continue to claim victims.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Traffic Accident in Havana and Its Context
What caused the accident at the intersection of 70 and 19 in Havana?
The accident was caused by a passenger jeep that did not respect the stop sign and collided with a white Mitsubishi truck. The malfunction of the traffic light due to a power outage also contributed to the incident.
What was the outcome of the accident in terms of injuries and medical treatment?
The accident left several injured people who were treated on-site and transported to nearby hospitals. No fatalities were reported, but the ambulances took about 15 minutes to arrive at the scene to assist the injured.
What other factors contribute to traffic accidents in Havana?
The precariousness of the road infrastructure, the blackouts that render traffic lights inoperable, and reckless behavior behind the wheel are factors that significantly contribute to traffic accidents in Havana.
Why is the theft of the driver's cell phone relevant in the context of the accident?
The theft of the driver's cell phone amid the chaos of the accident highlights the insecurity and lack of control in emergency situations in Havana, where even in critical moments, crime makes its presence felt.
What measures are being taken to improve road safety in Havana?
The Cuban government has announced the installation of solar panels on some traffic lights to ensure their operation during blackouts. However, the measure is insufficient given the scale of the road infrastructure problem in the city.
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