A fatal traffic accident claimed the lives of two individuals on Saturday night at the crossroads of San Lázaro and Lealtad in Central Havana. The tragic event unfolded after a series of collisions involving a taxi, an electric tricycle, and a bicitaxi.
Reportedly, the accident occurred when a taxi forcefully struck an electric tricycle, causing it to veer into a bicitaxi. This was shared by La Tijera News on Facebook, highlighting the chain reaction that led to the unfortunate events.
The crash resulted in the deaths of the bicitaxi driver, who would have turned 54 on Sunday, and another individual who was standing at the corner during the impact.
Earlier reports from the same source indicated that at least two people were injured, one of whom was in critical condition, prior to the confirmation of the fatalities.
On the same evening, another accident took place on San Lázaro between Gervasio and Escobar, where a private Lada car collided with another electric tricycle. Fortunately, no severe injuries were reported from this incident, according to La Tijera.
Speculation and discussion among eyewitnesses on social media continue to swirl around the events. So far, there has been no official statement from the authorities regarding the accidents.
Some witnesses have suggested that the taxi may have been speeding, while others argue that the erratic manner in which many electric tricycles and motorcycles operate in the city is to blame. Additionally, comments have pointed to structural issues such as poor street lighting due to power outages and the deteriorating road conditions in that area of Central Havana, which residents find increasingly problematic.
This tragic incident adds to a recent series of traffic mishaps involving electric tricycles in Havana. Just this past Friday, another tricycle overturned at the entrance to the Pan American Village in East Havana after losing control while descending an avenue.
Beyond isolated incidents, the traffic situation in Cuba remains severely impacted by the deteriorating infrastructure. Official statistics indicate that 75% of the country's roads and highways are in poor or mediocre condition, significantly affecting traffic safety.
In 2025, Cuba recorded 7,538 road accidents, resulting in 750 deaths and 6,718 injuries, highlighting the ongoing issues of poorly maintained roads and infrastructure as contributing factors.
Understanding Traffic Safety in Cuba
What caused the recent fatal accident in Central Havana?
The accident was caused by a collision between a taxi and an electric tricycle, which then hit a bicitaxi. Factors such as speeding and poor road conditions are being considered.
How common are traffic accidents in Cuba?
Traffic accidents are relatively common in Cuba, with statistics from 2025 showing 7,538 incidents, resulting in 750 fatalities and 6,718 injuries.
What are the main factors contributing to traffic accidents in Cuba?
Key factors include poor road conditions, inadequate maintenance, and erratic driving behaviors. These elements collectively impact traffic safety across the country.