At noon this Wednesday, a triple vehicle collision occurred involving two cars and an ambulance at the Sports City roundabout in Havana. Photos shared by a witness on Facebook depict a modern white car—manufactured by the Chinese company BAW—colliding with a red car, which then struck the ambulance. The probable cause was the failure to maintain adequate distance while navigating the busy roundabout.
No injuries were reported in the accident. However, the collision resulted in significant damage to both cars, particularly the red one. The red car suffered damages to its hood, front bumper, and rear end. It is unclear whether the ambulance sustained any damage.
Comments indicate that both cars belong to state entities, with one reportedly linked to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), as several officers were present at the scene. The accident sparked numerous opinions on the post, with many agreeing that the drivers failed to maintain the required distance between vehicles, which would have allowed them to brake in time.
Some people pointed to the lack of proper signage in the area. However, frequent travelers of the avenues converging at the roundabout confirmed the presence of signage and attributed the accidents to driver recklessness.
“They installed a traffic light at that roundabout a few years ago, but it only lasted a few days because it caused a massive traffic jam. It didn't work, but something needs to be done, and drivers need to take precautions and maintain distance,” said one commenter.
“There is signage; let's not downplay the recklessness of the drivers, who are often in a hurry,” stated another. “They don't maintain the distance, and here are the results,” added a young woman.
“That roundabout is very dangerous because everyone is in a hurry. They should do something to prevent accidents. Maybe now that a MININT car and an ambulance were involved, they will take action. Hopefully, there won't be any human losses, which is the most important thing,” expressed another woman.
“There’s no accident; this is negligence,” asserted another person, while an older man commented, “What I see is a collision due to lack of distance. If not, there would have been time to maneuver and brake, but here, no one maintains distance. They don’t teach that in driving schools.”
Official statistics recorded a 13% decrease in traffic accidents (543 fewer) in Cuba during the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2023. However, incidents on the nation’s roads and streets continue unabated, raising concerns about their frequency and often fatal consequences.
Understanding the Traffic Situation in Havana
The recent triple vehicle collision at the Sports City roundabout in Havana has raised many questions about road safety and driver behavior. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more context.
What caused the triple vehicle collision in Havana?
The collision was likely caused by a failure to maintain adequate distance between vehicles while navigating the busy roundabout.
Were there any injuries reported in the accident?
No, there were no injuries reported from the incident.
What kind of vehicles were involved in the collision?
The collision involved a white car manufactured by BAW, a red car, and an ambulance.
Is there adequate signage at the Sports City roundabout?
Yes, according to frequent travelers, there is proper signage at the roundabout. The accidents are attributed to driver recklessness.