A young motorcyclist tragically lost his life on Tuesday morning on Fifth Avenue in Miramar, located in the Playa municipality of Havana. The accident occurred near the intersection of Fifth Avenue, 110th, and 112th streets, close to Coney Island. The motorcycle involved was an AX100.
The exact circumstances of the crash remain unclear. Some reports suggest that the motorcyclist was hit by a car that fled the scene, while others claim that he crashed into a tree while talking on his phone. "Rest in peace. The driver died at the scene. Witnesses say he was on the phone and lost control at the curve, crashing the motorcycle into a tree. Once again, we must mourn the loss of life, but we need to take maturity and seriousness in driving," wrote Leonel Puerto in the Facebook group Accidentes Buses & Camiones.
Yusniel Benítez, another witness, stated, "I passed by early, and the forensic team was already there. The body was covered, and there was a lot of blood on the divider, but no other vehicle was visible. It seems he straightened the curve too quickly and fell, or maybe hit a tree. From what I saw, it looked like he was the only one involved."
However, another user speculated on the involvement of a car. "Does anyone know about the accident in front of Coney Island where a green 'almendrón' hit a motorcycle, and a young man was lying on the grass? The motorcycle was almost completely destroyed," asked Maribel R. Rodríguez. Another user mentioned the car being white.
Regardless, several users pointed out that the area is well-covered by surveillance cameras, making it likely that any other vehicle involved could be identified. Some speculated that if the involved car belonged to someone important, the investigation might be hindered, given the accident's location.
Despite claims that motorcycles are prohibited on Fifth Avenue, others clarified that from 112 to 120, the avenue has secondary lanes where motorcycles are allowed.
Images shared on Facebook groups showed the deceased's body covered with a black nylon sheet, along with police and forensic personnel present at the scene. As of the time of this report, there are no further details about the accident, and the identity of the deceased has not been disclosed.
In recent weeks, there has been a disturbing rise in serious accidents across the country, many of which have resulted in fatalities. One of the most recent incidents involved another young motorcyclist who died instantly in Boyeros, Havana, in an accident that did not involve other vehicles.
Although the public perceives an increase in traffic accidents in recent months, Cuban authorities reported at the beginning of July that there were 543 fewer incidents in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year. During the official television program Mesa Redonda, Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, head of the Specialized Traffic Department of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), also stated that there were 81 fewer fatalities (23%) and a reduction of 151 injuries (5%) between January and June this year, compared to the same period in 2023.
Key Points About the Recent Motorcycle Accident in Havana
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the tragic motorcycle accident on Fifth Avenue in Havana, shedding light on the incident and its implications.
What caused the motorcycle accident on Fifth Avenue?
The exact cause is unclear; some reports suggest the motorcyclist was hit by a car that fled, while others say he crashed into a tree while talking on his phone.
Were any other vehicles involved in the accident?
There are conflicting reports. Some witnesses suggest another vehicle was involved, while others believe the motorcyclist was alone.
Is motorcycle traffic allowed on Fifth Avenue?
While some claim motorcycles are banned, others clarified that motorcycles can use the secondary lanes from 112 to 120 on Fifth Avenue.
Has there been an increase in traffic accidents in Cuba?
Although the public perceives an increase, official reports indicate a decrease in the number of accidents, fatalities, and injuries in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.