A traffic accident took place on Calzada Calixto García in the La Esperanza neighborhood of Havana's Arroyo Naranjo municipality. A city minibus, often referred to as a "Gacela," lost control when its steering mechanism failed, resulting in a collision with a fixed-line telephone pole. The incident disrupted telecommunications services, as reported by users affected by the outage. According to the Facebook page "La Tijera," passengers aboard suffered minor injuries.
In a quick response, another minibus traveling behind the crashed vehicle transported the injured to Julio Trigo Hospital for medical evaluation. The affected "Gacela" was operating on route 20, which connects San Miguel del Padrón to Playa.
As of this report's publication, neither local authorities nor official media outlets have released any statements regarding the accident, which, besides causing injuries, interrupted the landline services for numerous clients of the Cuban Telecommunications Company S.A. (ETECSA).
Recurring Minibus Accidents Highlight Systemic Issues
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of accidents involving "Gacela" minibuses in Havana and other Cuban provinces, underscoring the ongoing deterioration of the island's public transportation system.
In November 2024, a malfunctioning traffic light led to an accident at a busy Havana intersection, leaving a motorcyclist severely injured after being hit by a "Gacela." Similarly, in June 2024, a three-vehicle collision in a crowded part of the capital resulted in multiple injuries and substantial property damage. The involvement of a "Gacela" brought attention once more to the questionable safety standards of public transit in Cuba.
In November 2023, a "Gacela" was implicated in an accident when one of its front tires burst, causing several injuries in a central area of Havana. In August of the same year, a taxi was destroyed after being struck by another "Gacela" in Havana, and shortly after, a diplomatic vehicle crashed into a similar minibus, injuring four individuals. In October 2023, a hearse overturned following a collision with a "Gacela" in Camagüey.
These frequent incidents highlight the declining condition of the vehicle fleet and the lack of preventive maintenance for public transport in Cuba. Contributing factors include deteriorating road conditions, a shortage of spare parts, and the aging of the fleet, all of which compromise the safety of drivers and passengers nationwide.
Understanding the Safety Concerns of Cuba's Public Transport
What caused the recent "Gacela" accident in Havana?
The accident occurred due to a failure in the minibus's steering mechanism, leading it to collide with a telephone pole.
Have there been other similar incidents involving "Gacela" minibuses?
Yes, there have been multiple accidents involving "Gacela" minibuses in recent years, often due to mechanical failures or poor road conditions.
What are the main factors contributing to public transport issues in Cuba?
Key factors include the deterioration of roads, a lack of spare parts, and an aging fleet, all of which affect the reliability and safety of public transportation.