A pothole in the road is believed to have triggered an accident involving a motorcycle and a classic American car, known as an "almendrón," in Havana. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or injuries from the incident.
The accident occurred on Tuesday at the intersection of Porvenir and Font streets in the La Víbora neighborhood, located in the 10 de Octubre municipality. Initially, a report shared in the Facebook group ‘Accidentes Buses & Camiones’ claimed the crash happened on Porvenir Avenue near A Street. However, an alleged eyewitness corrected this, stating it occurred at Porvenir and Font.
The Scene and Speculations
Amidst user speculations regarding the accident's cause, the supposed witness clarified that it did not occur at a traffic light. Several online users speculated that a non-functioning traffic light, due to frequent power outages in Havana, might have contributed to the accident. "It happened in the middle of the road, and it seems the car had some issue, invading the lane without any apparent reason," explained the witness.
Another user mentioned that a third vehicle, a Lada, was involved. Apparently, the Lada hit the pothole, causing suspension issues. To avoid hitting the Lada, the almendrón swerved, colliding with the motorcycle. "Porvenir and Font. [It happened] because of a hole in front of Manzanillo. The Lada dropped the ball joint, and the Chevy, while dodging the hole, veered and crashed into the motorbike," noted an internet user.
Hazardous Road Conditions
"A dangerous hole appeared there," commented another user, confirming the presence of a hazardous pothole on the road. The poor condition of roads in Cuba is a significant factor in many traffic accidents. Potholes are compounded by other issues affecting road safety, such as non-functioning traffic lights, lack of street lighting, and scarce traffic signs.
In mid-September, a Hyundai car, used by the Cuban regime for tourist rentals, got stuck in a massive pothole in Ciego de Ávila city, with no reported harm to its passengers. Earlier in April, a Toyota jeep overturned after hitting a pothole on the National Highway, near the Agua de Pasajeros checkpoint in Cienfuegos province, resulting only in material damage to the jeep, which suffered steering issues.
Just days before, a large pothole on the bustling 25th Avenue in the Marianao municipality of Havana caused a spectacular accident in which a Lada ended up overturned.