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Car Accident Claims Two Lives After Vehicle Plunges into Havana Reservoir Spillway

Thursday, October 3, 2024 by Claire Jimenez

Car Accident Claims Two Lives After Vehicle Plunges into Havana Reservoir Spillway
Images of the accident - Image of © Facebook / Car Accidents in Cuba

A tragic accident unfolded in Havana when the driver of a car lost control, veering off the road and plummeting into a reservoir spillway, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The incident, which took place early Wednesday morning, was reported on social media, though neither Havana authorities nor state-run media have acknowledged the unfortunate event.

A post in the Facebook group ‘Accidentes Automovilísticos en Cuba’ by user Nelson Álvarez described the scene: "In the early hours at the La Guayaba reservoir spillway. Such a tragic loss." Photos shared by Álvarez revealed the vehicle's condition after it crashed off a bridge for reasons still unknown. The images also showed firefighters and rescue teams at the scene, alongside the body of one apparent victim.

Another Facebook user, Yasmany Montero, who was present as the "company chief" of the rescuers, confirmed the details. "It's a tragic event, indeed, with two fatalities at the first ring section. The vehicle fell into the La Palma reservoir spillway. Upon our arrival, both victims were deceased," Montero clarified, correcting the initial location mentioned by Álvarez.

José Luis Correderas, another user, confirmed the actual site of the accident, stating, "It's not the La Guayaba reservoir, but La Palma, near the first ring. I passed by at 6:30, and forensic and traffic patrol cars were present."

Additionally, Yunia García Laurencio expressed her grief in the comments, identifying the victims: "So much pain! We have lost Mello and my uncle Eglis. Our family is shattered."

The poor condition of the roads, along with inadequate signage and lighting, makes Cuban level crossings and bridges hazardous for drivers. In August, a truck fell from a bridge on a road heading to Berroa in Havana; fortunately, its occupants were unharmed, according to witnesses.

In May, a classic Cuban car, known as an ‘almendrón’, crashed over a bridge divider at kilometer 69 of the National Highway in Nueva Paz, with one person sustaining serious injuries. Another accident in February saw a truck plunge off a bridge on the Masó-Las Mercedes road in Granma, resulting in seven injuries, three of them critical.

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