A woman in Bayamo, Granma, experienced an unfortunate accident when she fell into an uncovered well on a street. Due to the unavailability of an ambulance, stretcher, or paramedics, she had to be transported to the hospital on an electric scooter after being rescued.
The incident was captured on video and shared on Facebook by José E. Gonzélez Marín. The footage shows the woman lying on the platform of the small electric vehicle, surrounded by firefighters and neighbors as they prepared to take her for medical attention.
The Unprotected Hazard
The accident occurred when the woman stumbled into an unguarded well in the middle of the roadway. According to accounts shared on social media, locals quickly alerted authorities, prompting the Bayamo fire department to respond to the scene.
Rescuers managed to extract her using available rescue equipment. The real challenge began once she was out of the well and in need of hospital transport.
An Improvised Solution
With no ambulance in sight, those present sought an alternative to prevent her from remaining stranded on the street. Initially, they considered using a cart, but eventually, an Unizuki electric scooter was found and served as an improvised ambulance, as described by the post's author.
The video highlights the woman reclining on the scooter's platform, surrounded by helmeted firefighters and several civilians. This scene underscores two pressing issues affecting daily life in Cuba: deteriorating urban infrastructure and insufficient resources for medical emergencies.
A Broader Crisis
The situation is particularly dire in Granma, one of the provinces hardest hit by the emergency transportation crisis. As of June 2026, the region had only 17 operational ambulances out of the 54 needed, according to figures acknowledged by health authorities.
This shortage has led to an increase in images that were once rare: patients being taken to hospitals in horse-drawn carts, state vehicles, and other makeshift means.
The weekend's incident also highlights another everyday danger: open holes, manholes, and unprotected registers on Cuban streets.
The degradation of roads and lack of covers or grates have led to severe accidents across the country. One of the most tragic incidents occurred in February 2025, when 13-year-old Jonathan Oliva was swept into an uncovered manhole during flooding in Havana.
Efforts to Improve
In recent months, Cuban authorities have announced measures to address the shortcomings of the medical emergency system. In January 2026, they reported purchasing 50 ambulances from China, and in February, they added 25 electric units to the healthcare system.
Despite these efforts, official statistics on out-of-service vehicles and recurring scenes across various provinces indicate that these additions fall short of meeting the accumulated needs.
Critical Issues in Cuban Emergency Response
What led to the woman's fall in Bayamo?
The woman fell into an uncovered well on a street, which lacked proper protection and signage.
How was the woman transported to the hospital?
Due to the absence of an ambulance, the woman was transported on an electric scooter to receive medical attention.
What are the broader implications of this incident?
The incident highlights the deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate emergency response resources in Cuba, particularly in Granma province.
What measures have been taken to improve emergency services in Cuba?
Cuban authorities have announced the acquisition of ambulances from China and added electric units to the healthcare system, although these efforts have not fully addressed the needs.