A modern car fell into a sinkhole in El Cerro, Havana, amid sudden flooding that affected several low-lying areas of the capital. "Another car already fell there. Now no one else will fall because this man just did," a woman is heard saying in a video shared on the Facebook group “ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES por más experiencia y menos víctimas!”
Moments earlier, a motorbike had also fallen into the same sinkhole, located at Infanta and Ayestarán in El Cerro, but was pulled out with the help of several neighbors. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either accident.
However, these incidents highlight the deteriorated condition of Cuba's streets, which often lack proper signage to warn about potholes or sinkholes. In El Cerro, a pothole has even turned into what locals jokingly call a swimming pool.
"When you feel down, remember this started as a small pothole in El Cerro and now it has become 'Bachecitos del Futuro Recreation Center' for kids to enjoy during their break," sarcastically noted the Facebook profile "LaSai Dela Vida."
The video shows children and teenagers diving into the large water-filled hole, which is traversed by a leaking pipe from the Aguas de La Habana company.
In April, a massive pothole caused a dramatic accident in the Havana municipality of Marianao, where a car, reportedly a Lada, ended up completely overturned. Similarly, a Toyota jeep flipped over after hitting a pothole on the National Highway, further illustrating the dire state of Cuban roads.
Infrastructure Issues and Road Safety in Cuba
The following questions and answers provide further insights into the infrastructure problems and road safety concerns in Cuba, particularly in light of the recent incidents in Havana.
What caused the sinkhole in El Cerro?
The sinkhole in El Cerro was likely caused by a combination of poor infrastructure maintenance and sudden flooding, which exacerbated the existing weaknesses in the road.
Were there any injuries reported in these incidents?
No injuries were reported in either the car or motorbike accidents in El Cerro.
How do these incidents highlight the state of Cuban roads?
These incidents underscore the poor condition of Cuban roads, which often lack proper maintenance and signage, making them hazardous for drivers.