In the early hours of October 27, two teenagers suffered serious injuries in Havana when they were struck from behind while riding a motorcycle by a Kia Picanto. The driver fled the scene after dragging them several meters.
The incident, highlighted on social media by activist Nelson Álvarez (El Porfiao), took place on Boyeros Avenue near the Rio Cristal recreational center. The teens were returning from a nightclub when they were violently dragged by the modern car. The driver allegedly even stopped to "detach" them from the vehicle before driving away, according to a harrowing account from one of the victims' aunts.
"They were riding the motorcycle in their lane, going slowly, when a car hit them from behind. My nephew was the one riding at the back. The car hit the motorcycle, throwing it off and dragging it along. The bike was stuck to the car's bumper for a distance," recounted the aunt of one of the injured teenagers, who are currently hospitalized at Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana.
She explained that realizing the teens were obstructing his path, the driver—according to the less seriously injured teenager—dropped the beer can he was holding, got out of the car, and detached the motorcycle from the bumper before fleeing. "We don't know anything else," said the relative of the comatose young man, who is in Intensive Care.
The severely injured teen has been identified as Lizardo Menas Oliva, 16, a resident of Pocito Palmar in the Marianao municipality. The family is urgently seeking help to identify the driver of the vehicle, described as a gray, white, or silver Kia Picanto.
Family's Plea for Justice
The conscious teen, who is in Intermediate Care, recalled that the car was light-colored but couldn’t discern its exact hue due to poor visibility at that hour. He is certain it was a private vehicle, noting the "P" on the license plate.
Considering the severe damage evident on the motorcycle, it is clear that the car involved in the accident must also have noticeable front-end damage.
Another couple riding at a distance came to the teenagers' aid, stopping their motorcycle to cross the street and assist them. As of the latest update, no additional details have emerged regarding the incident.