An intense accident took place this Saturday in El Vedado, Havana, where two cars collided, resulting in significant damage. The vehicles involved were reportedly driven by a Cuban military personnel and a member of the diplomatic corps in Cuba. This information has not been independently verified by CiberCuba.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Calzada Avenue and 4th Street, near the Martí Studies Center. One of the cars came dangerously close to crashing into the institution's fence. Based on photographic evidence, it appears to be a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, presumably the diplomatic vehicle. The other car, possibly a Kia Sportage or a Renault Duster SUV, ended up on the opposite sidewalk with severe body damage. "A diplomat and a soldier," noted Jorge Borroto on the Facebook group 'Accidentes Buses & Camiones'.
The accident led to the closure of traffic on Calzada and prompted the response of police officers and an ambulance from the Integral Medical Emergency Service (SIUM). As of the time of writing, the condition of the occupants in both vehicles remains unknown. Neither the authorities nor the official press have provided information on this unfortunate incident.
Previous Incidents Involving Diplomatic Vehicles
Despite the relatively low number of diplomatic cars in Cuba, social media users occasionally report accidents involving these vehicles. In August 2023, a collision between a diplomatic car and a “gacela” taxi in Havana injured four people, who were subsequently treated at local hospitals. This incident occurred at the intersection of 31st Avenue and 30th Street in Miramar, Playa municipality. Reports indicated that the traffic light at this dangerous crossing was not operational due to a power outage.
In February 2022, a diplomatic vehicle struck a motorcyclist in Havana. A police officer at the scene allowed the driver of the diplomatic car to leave and advised the injured motorcyclist that it would be futile to contest the accident because the driver was a diplomat.
Two years earlier, Amanda Ortega Manito, a young Cuban model and influencer, died from head injuries after being hit by a diplomatic car in Havana. According to family testimonies provided to CiberCuba, the fatal accident occurred in Playa municipality in the early morning hours as Amanda and her friends were trying to find transportation home after attending a party. Sources close to Amanda's family indicated that the driver was allegedly a foreign diplomat based in Havana who fled the scene. Unofficially, CiberCuba received information that the driver was the chauffeur for the Guatemalan consul in Cuba.
In November 2020, at least one person was injured in a traffic accident in Havana when a car with diplomatic plates collided with an almendrón in El Vedado. The accident happened at the intersection of Calzada and Paseo, and witnesses reported that the impact from the diplomatic car's rear right door ejected one of the passengers from the opposite side of the almendrón.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diplomatic Vehicle Accidents in Cuba
Given the frequency of incidents involving diplomatic vehicles in Cuba, we have compiled some frequently asked questions to provide further insights into these occurrences and their implications.
What should I do if I'm involved in an accident with a diplomatic vehicle in Cuba?
If you are involved in an accident with a diplomatic vehicle, it is crucial to document the scene thoroughly with photos and gather witness statements. Contact the local police immediately, as diplomatic immunity may complicate the legal process.
Are diplomatic vehicles in Cuba subject to local traffic laws?
Diplomatic vehicles are generally expected to follow local traffic laws. However, diplomatic immunity can sometimes shield diplomats from prosecution, making enforcement challenging.
How common are accidents involving diplomatic vehicles in Cuba?
While the number of diplomatic vehicles in Cuba is relatively low, accidents involving these cars do occur and are occasionally reported on social media and by news outlets.