CubaHeadlines

Diplomatic Vehicle and Military Car Crash on Miramar's Fifth Avenue

Saturday, September 14, 2024 by Oscar Fernandez

A dramatic accident occurred on Friday night in Havana, involving a suspected diplomatic vehicle and a military car that collided on Miramar's Fifth Avenue, resulting in two people being seriously injured.

The incident took place at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 84th Street. Reports on social media suggest that the diplomatic car ran a red light and collided with a Geely belonging to the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR).

As of the writing of this report, neither Havana authorities nor official media have acknowledged the incident, which allegedly involves the diplomatic corps accredited in Havana and Cuban military officers.

"Accident on 5th and 84th, around 9 PM. No fatalities reported so far, but two people are critically injured," noted a Facebook user in the 'Accidentes Buses & Camiones' group.

Videos shared on social media show the moments immediately following the collision, with police officers and firefighters extricating the occupants of the Geely, who appeared to be gravely injured.

The diplomatic car, a white SUV, ended up on the sidewalk of Fifth Avenue after the impact. The images show two of the Geely's passengers lying on the street awaiting assistance.

"The diplomat was driving on 5th Avenue, and the FAR vehicle was on 84th. The diplomat ran the red light. This happened right at the corner of 5th and 84th... In the video, they were still inside. People who stopped were helping to get them out. They say there are no fatalities at the scene, but two people are very critical at the moment. Firefighters and police arrived a few minutes later," stated a Facebook user identified as Edmundo Dantés Junior.

From the images, it appears that the diplomatic vehicle hit the military car on the side. The accident occurred near the military club known as Casa Central de las FAR, a recreational site for regime officers, located on 3rd Avenue between 88th and 94th streets in the Playa municipality.

Interestingly, the accident mirrors one that happened in late June in Havana's Vedado neighborhood, where another diplomatic vehicle and military car collided and were severely damaged. That incident occurred at the intersection of Calzada Avenue and 4th Street, near the Centro de Estudios Martianos. While there was no official information about the event, social media claimed the vehicles were driven by a Cuban military officer and a person serving the diplomatic corps accredited in Cuba.

Despite being one of the best-paved and well-lit avenues in the Cuban capital—a daily route for foreign diplomats and regime leaders—Miramar's Fifth Avenue frequently witnesses accidents.

In mid-January, a multi-vehicle accident took place on this avenue, involving at least three vehicles, according to social media reports. The incident occurred at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 16th Street, right in front of the Venezuelan Embassy in Cuba, located in the exclusive Miramar district.

In October 2023, a car overturned at the exit of the Fifth Avenue Tunnel, resulting in no injuries but significant material damage to the vehicle. It appears the incident was caused by the driver's excessive speed.

Key Questions About the Fifth Avenue Collision

Here are some important questions and answers regarding the recent collision between a diplomatic vehicle and a military car on Miramar's Fifth Avenue.

What caused the collision on Miramar's Fifth Avenue?

Reports suggest that the diplomatic vehicle ran a red light, leading to the collision with a Geely belonging to the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR).

Were there any fatalities in the accident?

No fatalities have been reported so far, but two individuals are critically injured.

Have the authorities commented on the incident?

As of now, neither Havana authorities nor official media have acknowledged the incident.

© CubaHeadlines 2024