Just when you think you've seen it all, reality proves otherwise: a bizarre and dramatic accident unfolded at the entrance tollbooth of the Havana Tunnel on the Monumental Road this Tuesday morning. A rental car from the state-run company TaxisCuba rear-ended a privately-owned Kia Picanto, which ended up perched atop the taxi's hood, in a scene reminiscent of an action movie.
Fortunately, the drivers and passengers of both vehicles emerged unscathed, according to family members, acquaintances, and eyewitnesses who commented on Facebook posts about the event.
A Surreal Scene at the Toll Station
The extraordinary incident took place at the toll station, where vehicles are required to slow down according to Cuba's Road Safety Law 109, which mandates a maximum speed of 20 km/h in such zones. Several individuals speculated about the cause of the crash, with many suggesting that the taxi driver was inattentive, possibly distracted by a mobile device—a growing issue in the country with the widespread use of cell phones.
However, one user insisted that the taxi driver failed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. "The collision caused the car to lift into the air, and since the taxi was too close, it ended up underneath," they explained.
Questions and Doubts Arise
Some questioned the authenticity of the accident, noting the lack of damage to the Kia's bumper. "The strangest thing is that the Kia's bumper isn't even scratched, and those lights are quite fragile," an online observer pointed out.
Witnesses reported that a crane lifted the Kia and another removed the taxi from the scene, temporarily disrupting traffic on those lanes of the Monumental, nearly at the tunnel's entrance.
Accidents in Cuba: A Persistent Issue
Traffic accidents remain a daily concern in Cuba, resulting in significant human and material losses. However, authorities noted a 13% decrease in traffic incidents (543 fewer) during the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2023.