A rental car designated for tourists flipped over on Sunday night after being involved in an accident in Marianao, Havana. Firefighters promptly arrived at the scene, yet as of this writing, neither the state-controlled media nor the authorities have addressed the incident.
“Accident in Marianao, approaching 100 and 51. Tourist car,” a user reported in the Facebook group 'Accidentes Automovilísticos en Cuba'. The reasons behind the accident remain unclear, although some users speculated that factors such as excessive speed and the rain in the capital might have played a role.
A video shared in the aforementioned Facebook group showed the car completely overturned with its wheels facing the sky. The cabin appeared to have sustained damage, but the condition of the vehicle's occupants is unknown.
Tourist Safety Concerns
The poor condition of Cuba's roads and streets, alongside the inadequate maintenance of rental cars for tourists, significantly impacts the safety of those driving these vehicles. Such issues often lead to accidents where vehicles end up overturned.
In late April, another tourist rental car overturned near the Havana Zoo on Avenida 26, with the cause remaining unidentified. Photos shared by the post's author displayed the vehicle, apparently a Hyundai Elantra brought to Cuba in October 2021 and imported by the company Transtur S.A.
Recurring Accidents Involving Rental Cars
Mid-September 2023 saw another rental car overturn on the National Highway stretch between the provinces of Cienfuegos and Villa Clara, allegedly due to the driver losing control. Social media reports detailed the accident, with witnesses noting injuries among those involved.
A year prior, yet another rental car ended up overturned in the Bay of Havana Tunnel. The specific causes were not disclosed, but fortunately, there were no fatalities. Reports indicated that despite the dramatic images, passengers only sustained minor injuries. It seems the accident occurred because the tunnel's wet pavement caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.