Inhabitants of Arroyo Blanco, a small community in the municipality of Jatibonico, Sancti Spíritus, are mourning the loss of "Muni," a well-loved local who died in a traffic accident while riding his scooter. The vehicle, affectionately referred to as a "chivichana" by the townsfolk, was in excellent condition and regularly used by its owner for commuting within the area.
"That scooter had its registration and was the best in town. The driver was very responsible," commented a neighbor on social media, echoing the sentiments of many who grieved the untimely death of the driver whose name and age remain undisclosed. According to several accounts, the accident that claimed Muni's life was neither due to vehicle malfunctions nor negligence on his part.
A short video shared in the group Automotive Accidents in Cuba captured the scene as the scooter was towed away post-accident. "Unfortunately, it wasn't his fault or his scooter's, but rather another driver's. Accidents like this can happen even to factory-made vehicles," noted an acquaintance.
Community Outcry Over Accident Response
Despite the absence of detailed information about the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, it appears that every weekend Muni would embark on long journeys, such as the Jatibonico-Trinidad route. In the Facebook group "Friends of Arroyo Blanco," a user criticized the "lack of humanity" of bystanders who chose to record the accident on their phones instead of offering assistance.
Many online users have praised the deceased as an exemplary and responsible driver, sparking a discussion about the safety of these artisanally crafted vehicles that serve as an economical solution for many Cubans. While some skeptics dubbed them "rolling coffins" due to their vulnerability on potholed roads, others defended the ingenuity of those who build them with scarce resources, emphasizing that safety ultimately depends on the driver.
"These vehicles aren't more dangerous than others; it all hinges on how they're used and the conditions in which they're driven," argued a fellow driver.
A Community in Mourning
The tragic death of Muni has left a void in Arroyo Blanco, where his family and friends have received widespread condolences. "We've lost a great man. Arroyo Blanco is in mourning today," stated a resident, while another noted that the local funeral home was filled with neighbors paying their final respects to the deceased driver.
Traffic accidents continue to plague Cuban roads. In another recent accident last week, a person lost their life in a collision between a "polaquito" and a taxi on Avenida del Puerto in Old Havana.
Cuban authorities reported in early July that during the first half of 2024, there were 543 fewer incidents compared to the same period the previous year. On the official television program Mesa Redonda, Colonel Roberto Rodríguez Fernández, head of the Ministry of the Interior's (MININT) Special Transit Body, also announced a reduction of 81 fatalities (23%) and 151 injuries (5%) between January and June of this year, compared to the same timeframe in 2023.