A Hyundai car, one of those rented out to tourists by the Cuban regime, got stuck in a gigantic pothole in the city of Ciego de Ávila, with no damage reported to the vehicle's occupants.
"That's not from here," is heard in a video shared by Martí Noticias on their social media profiles. The clip shows the car in an unusual position, with its rear end lifted, indicating the depth of the hole.
Several locals were present, trying to find a solution to this tragic situation caused by the poor condition of Cuban streets and perhaps the driver's unfamiliarity with the area.
This type of Hyundai vehicles has been purchased by the government over the last three years to replace the worn-out fleet of cars allocated for tourism.
Past Incidents Involving Potholes
In April, a massive pothole caused a serious accident in the Marianao municipality in Havana, where a Lada ended up completely overturned. The incident occurred on the major and busy Avenida 25, which connects the area with the Novia del Mediodía highway and the National Highway.
Similarly, on the National Highway, just before the Agua de Pasajeros checkpoint in the province of Cienfuegos, a pothole caused a jeep to overturn, with no injuries reported.
Recently, a truck driver in the city of Pinar del Río likely experienced the worst moment of his day when a huge pothole "swallowed" the front left wheel of his vehicle. The incident took place during a downpour, likely causing the hole to be filled with water, making it difficult for the driver to gauge its true size.
Understanding the Impact of Potholes in Cuba
Potholes have become a significant issue on Cuban roads, leading to numerous accidents and vehicle damage. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding this persistent problem.
Why are there so many potholes in Cuba?
The poor condition of Cuban roads is primarily due to a lack of maintenance and investment in infrastructure by the government. The economic situation and resource constraints exacerbate the problem.
How do potholes affect tourism in Cuba?
Potholes can lead to accidents and vehicle damage, negatively impacting tourists' experiences and potentially deterring future visitors. They also increase maintenance costs for rental companies and the government.