A surprising event took place in Havana after the pavement collapsed at the intersection of Zapata and Paseo, swallowing a motorcyclist.
“A hole opened up in the middle of the road, and a man sank with his motorcycle into the sidewalk of a building located at the intersection of Zapata and Paseo, Vedado, Havana,” reported on Facebook by neighbor Yanely Paredes, who included images of the incident.
The motorcyclist was assisted by passersby, "who managed to rescue him before the arrival of the firefighters and paramedics from SIUM," the user stated.
"According to witnesses, the floor collapsed suddenly and the driver fell with the motorcycle and everything into the hole," he added.
As seen in the images, a crowd of onlookers gathered at the site of the sinking, while paramedics assisted the accident victim, who appears to be alert and in good condition.
So far, no official media have reported the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pavement Collapse in Havana and the Traffic Situation in Cuba
What happened in the pavement accident in El Vedado, Havana?
A motorcyclist and his bike fell into a hole when the pavement collapsed at the intersection of Zapata and Paseo, in El Vedado, Havana. The man was rescued by bystanders before the arrival of the firefighters and paramedics.
Why are traffic accidents common in Cuba?
The precarious state of road infrastructure, the lack of signage, and the poor condition of the vehicle fleet significantly contribute to the high rate of accidents in Cuba. Furthermore, human factors, such as speeding and distraction while driving, are responsible for 91% of accidents.
What measures are being taken in Cuba to improve road safety?
The authorities have issued over 235,000 fines, canceled 344 driving licenses, and conducted more than 61,000 technical inspections on public roads during the first months of the year. However, the lack of improvements in road infrastructure remains a critical issue.
What impact do potholes have on road safety in Cuba?
Potholes, especially those filled with black water, pose a significant risk to drivers, causing accidents such as that of the motorcyclist in El Vedado. The government's inaction to mark and repair these areas increases the danger on the roads.
Filed under: