A devastating traffic accident involving a motorcycle and a jeep in Marianao, Havana, on Sunday resulted in the death of one individual and critically injured another.
The tragic event unfolded around 5 p.m. at the crossroads of Avenida 51 and Calle 94, according to various Facebook reports.
Witnesses from the area reported that an electric motorcycle traveling along Calle 94 failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection with Avenida 51 and was struck by a Willys jeep proceeding along the avenue.
The severe impact instantly claimed the life of the motorbike's driver and inflicted serious injuries on the passenger, who was promptly transported to a hospital, as noted by the Cuba Denuncia profile.
Eyewitnesses stated that the motorcyclist did not heed the mandatory stop sign and entered Avenida 51, while the jeep driver, transporting passengers, was also speeding.
Footage captured by locals and passersby depicted a harrowing scene: the motorcycle wedged beneath the jeep's bumper and the victim's body lying on the pavement.
Hours after the collision, the deceased's body still lay on the road, reported independent newspaper CubaNet. The area remained cordoned off with yellow tape to limit access, while traffic was managed by agents and Ministry of the Interior officers who were likely conducting an investigation.
Residents informed the press that accidents are frequent on this stretch of the avenue due to the absence of a traffic light. Their repeated requests for one have been ignored by authorities, leaving pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers vulnerable to accidents.
However, comments on posts about the crash revealed that many believed the tragedy could have been avoided if the stop sign had been respected at the busy intersection. Others pointed out that vehicles often exceed the speed limit on Avenida 51, contributing to the high accident rate.
Several individuals also noted an increase in motorcycle-involved accidents.
"Could this have been prevented?" questioned user Omero Rodríguez, who passed by the scene that evening. "Answer yourself and draw your own conclusions. Are you one who frequently disregards traffic laws and has been lucky enough not to be involved in an accident? Don't waste the chance life has given you; luck may not always be on your side."
Currently, authorities have not released official information about the accident, and the identities of the deceased and injured remain unknown.
According to the National Road Safety Commission, between January and August this year, there were 5,025 traffic accidents in Cuba—41 more than the same period in 2024—resulting in 502 fatalities and 4,516 injuries.
In seven out of ten incidents, there were casualties, mainly due to vehicle collisions, which remain the "most dangerous" accident type, accounting for 36% of all fatalities, as stated in the official report.
Motorcycles and scooters were involved in 52% of traffic accidents during those eight months, causing 32% of the deaths and 42% of the injuries.
Understanding Traffic Safety in Cuba
What are the main causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
The primary causes of traffic accidents in Cuba include failure to obey traffic signals, speeding, and vehicle collisions, which are cited as the most dangerous incidents.
How prevalent are motorcycle accidents in Cuba?
Motorcycles and scooters are involved in 52% of traffic incidents in Cuba, leading to significant fatalities and injuries.
Are traffic lights common at intersections in Havana?
Traffic lights are not consistently present at all intersections in Havana, leading residents to frequently request their installation to improve safety.