On Tuesday afternoon, a significant traffic accident occurred at the intersection of Vía Blanca and Primelles in the Cerro municipality. The incident involved two cars, a motorcycle, and a jeep, according to eyewitness accounts. Currently, there is no information regarding any injuries resulting from the accident.
The precise cause of the accident remains unclear. However, it took place in an area where the traffic light had been out of service for days, causing confusion and endangering both drivers and pedestrians. This malfunction appears to be a contributing factor to the crash. Among the vehicles involved, the jeep sustained the most damage as it overturned.
"This happened because the light is out for Vía Blanca but working for Primelles. That's what happens; it's been broken for a while," a user commented on a Facebook group dedicated to traffic incidents. Another witness expressed frustration, noting, "None of the traffic lights here work. The one at La Palma has been down for over a week; six cars crashed."
Other citizens pointed out similar issues at key intersections such as Prado and Malecón, as well as Zulueta and Neptuno, where reports of malfunctioning traffic signals are frequent. "It's disrespectful, and neither the government nor anyone else will compensate for the physical and material damages," one commentator said. Another added, "Some traffic lights prioritize one road due to its category, but the other side's light is out, and this confusion can be deadly."
The recurring issue of non-functional traffic lights in the area has been a persistent problem in recent months across Cuba, coinciding with a series of severe power outages affecting the island. Despite this, one driver noted that traffic laws are meant to be followed even when traffic signals are not operational due to power cuts.
As of this report, no further details about the accident have been confirmed. Since the beginning of the year, numerous serious accidents have occurred on Cuban roads. Last Friday, a collision between two buses in Camagüey resulted in two deaths and left over 50 people injured. In another tragic incident, a motorcyclist died last Saturday in Havana after crashing into a truck.
Common Traffic Issues in Havana
What caused the accident at Vía Blanca and Primelles?
The exact cause is unclear, but malfunctioning traffic lights in the area, which had been down for days, likely contributed to the accident.
Are non-working traffic lights a common problem in Havana?
Yes, there have been frequent reports of broken or inoperative traffic lights at key intersections throughout Havana, exacerbated by power outages.
How are drivers supposed to navigate intersections with non-functional signals?
Traffic laws are designed to be followed even in the absence of functioning traffic lights, requiring drivers to exercise caution and adhere to right-of-way rules.