A truck loaded with flour and sugar fell into a massive pothole on Country Club Road in El Caney, blocking the street for several hours.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta reported on Facebook this Thursday that the incident occurred in front of the Oxygen Factory, according to a witness who recorded the moment.
The journalist specified that the truck occupants were forced to unload all the goods to transfer them to another vehicle, delaying the operation until 10 PM.
"The truck blocked the street. If there had been an emergency at a hospital, I don't know what would have happened," the witness commented.
Country Club Road is a key route connecting important state entities, such as the Capitán Orestes Acosta Sports School, the Industrial Gases Factory, the Compote Factory, and the José Maceo FAR School, Mayeta emphasized.
Additionally, he held the Aguas Santiago Water and Sewer Company accountable for causing the massive hole during the repair of a pipeline. However, the company left the pothole unrepaired, causing several vehicles to fall into it.
"That hole is dangerous and can cause a serious accident, especially when the street fills with water and drivers unfamiliar with it can fall in," he warned.
The terrible state of roads in Cuba often leads to accidents, many with unfortunate consequences.
Last August, a truck driver in the city of Pinar del Río likely had the worst day when a massive pothole "swallowed" the front left wheel of his vehicle. The incident happened during a downpour, which probably filled the hole with water, making it difficult for the driver to see the true size of the "small pothole."
However, potholes not only pose a risk to vehicles but also to pedestrians. Residents of the Guanabacoa municipality in Havana reported a large pothole on Concha Street. In an email to CiberCuba, locals warned about the danger the giant pothole represents for children in the community, as it is near a school and on a busy road in the La Hata neighborhood.
Pothole Issues in Santiago de Cuba
The following questions and answers address the recurring issues with potholes and their impact on the community in Santiago de Cuba.
What caused the truck to fall into the pothole on Country Club Road?
The truck fell into a massive pothole caused by the Aguas Santiago Water and Sewer Company during a pipeline repair. The company left the pothole unrepaired, leading to the incident.
What impact did the pothole have on the local community?
The pothole blocked a key route connecting important state entities, causing significant delays and posing a risk for emergency responses. It also endangers both vehicles and pedestrians.
How do potholes affect road safety in Cuba?
Potholes significantly compromise road safety in Cuba, often leading to accidents with severe consequences. They pose risks to both vehicles and pedestrians, especially when filled with water during rains.
What measures can be taken to prevent such incidents?
Regular road maintenance and timely repairs of potholes are crucial. Authorities should ensure that any roadwork is completed properly to prevent such hazards.