A tragic traffic accident took place this Monday on the bustling José Martí Avenue, right in front of the 18-story building in Santiago de Cuba.
Aris Arias Batalla, the provincial manager of Operations and Rescue for the Cuban Red Cross, announced on Facebook that a motorcyclist had crashed into the rear right side of a Lada car. This vehicle belongs to the Electric Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE) and bears the license plate B 029752.
The motorcyclist was immediately taken to the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital. Preliminary reports suggest that he does not have any serious injuries that would endanger his life.
Initial Findings Point to Violations
Initial indications suggest that the accident was caused by the lack of proper distance between the vehicles and the motorcyclist's inattentiveness while on the road. These infractions were highlighted as the main reasons for the collision. Photos from the scene clearly show damage to the rear of the car, supporting this conclusion.
Aris urged drivers to exercise caution, emphasizing the dangers of violating traffic rules, such as drinking alcohol, street racing, speeding, and performing stunts on the roads.
History of Accidents in the Area
However, this avenue is known to be a hazardous route in Santiago de Cuba, with a history of several accidents nearby. Just last August, an incident occurred at the busy intersection of Paseo de Martí and Avenida de los Libertadores.
The recent accident happened near the iconic 18-story building on Martí Avenue and the Moncada Barracks, two notable landmarks in the city, as reported by journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook.
In 2021, another severe accident occurred in the vicinity when a private cargo truck overturned onto the landscaped hedge area at the intersection.
“The truck was speeding up the hill on Paseo de Martí. It seems like it tried to make a turn and flipped over. The driver was quickly pulled out and assisted, as fuel began to spill everywhere,” a user from the Facebook group ‘Accidents Buses & Trucks: For More Experience and Fewer Victims!’ reported.