Cuban authorities apprehended the driver of a Hyundai Sonata on Friday, following a tragic hit-and-run that claimed the life of a cyclist on Thursday morning along Monumental Avenue in Havana. The driver fled the scene after the incident. Relatives of the victim, identified as Jorge Mederos Guerra, a 67-year-old resident of Guanabacoa, shared the news of the arrest on social media.
Jorge Mederos was cycling near the entrance to the Havana tunnel, close to the Naval Hospital, when he was struck by a black Hyundai Sonata. A family member recounted the event, noting that the driver did not stop or offer assistance to the injured man, who died on the spot from severe bleeding.
Described by those close to him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Mederos worked as a security guard and was returning home from his shift when the accident occurred. "He was a kind-hearted man devoted to his family," a relative expressed on social media. The tragedy has left his family heartbroken and in mourning just before the year's end celebrations.
The National Revolutionary Police (PNR) successfully tracked down the vehicle involved with the help of witnesses and social media users. A nurse at the Calixto García Hospital reported that the black Hyundai Sonata had been circulated widely, leading to the driver's capture.
This incident adds to a series of traffic accidents reported in the capital over recent weeks. The high frequency of these events underscores the urgent need to enhance road safety, particularly during a time characterized by increased traffic, holiday celebrations, and alcohol consumption.
Authorities are urging drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and avoid reckless behavior that could result in loss of life.
Key Questions About Road Safety in Cuba
What led to the arrest of the driver in the Havana hit-and-run case?
The arrest was made possible through the cooperation of witnesses, social media users, and the circulation of the vehicle's information by local authorities.
How has the community reacted to the incident?
The community is deeply affected, with the victim's family in mourning. The incident has sparked discussions on the need for improved road safety measures.
What actions have been suggested to prevent future accidents?
Authorities are advising drivers to respect traffic laws and avoid dangerous driving behaviors, particularly during high-traffic periods and festive seasons.