In the early hours of Saturday morning, a traffic accident in Toyo Corner, located in Havana's Diez de Octubre district, resulted in multiple injuries after a classic car crashed into a utility pole.
The incident was reported by members of the Facebook group "Traffic Accidents in Cuba," who stated that it happened around 5:00 a.m. The vehicle struck the pole violently in front of Toyo's bakery.
The car, believed to be a red 1950s Buick Roadmaster with the license plate P 200 814, sustained significant damage to its front and side, as shown in images shared by local residents and eyewitnesses.
Adrián Ramírez, a user who shared details about the accident, revealed that the car was carrying five passengers. "The person seated next to the driver suffered the most severe injuries and was taken out unconscious," he noted. The other passengers experienced minor injuries.
Jennifer Pérez, identified as the partner of one of the individuals involved, commented that "none of them were seriously injured," but expressed concern that the victims were not taken to the hospital until two hours after the crash.
She also reported that bystanders took advantage of the chaos to steal belongings from the injured, including gasoline from the trunk.
Another resident, Yisel Padrón, stated that the incident occurred at "4:20 a.m." and that she lives directly above the crash site. "Everyone walked away. Wishing a speedy recovery to all," she said.
At this time, the cause of the accident remains unclear, though several people have speculated that the vehicle might have experienced steering issues. The extent of the collision is evident from the photos, which show shattered glass scattered across the road and structural damage to the car.
This latest accident adds to the alarming number of traffic incidents in Cuba, many of which are linked to the poor technical condition of vehicles and inadequate road signage.
The deteriorating state of 1940s and 1950s vehicles, known locally as "almendrones," is a significant factor in many similar accidents, like the one that occurred this Saturday in Havana. In December 2024, another classic car crashed into a utility pole in Havana at the intersection of Avenue 51 and 134th Street.
In January 2021, yet another classic car collided with a pole at the corner of Línea and G streets in Havana's El Vedado neighborhood. Social media users suggested that it was a car from Marianao operating a route between Playa (3rd) and Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What are the common causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
Traffic accidents in Cuba are often caused by the poor technical condition of vehicles, many of which are decades old, and the lack of adequate road signage.
What is an "almendrón"?
An "almendrón" is a term used in Cuba to refer to classic American cars from the 1940s and 1950s that are still in use today.
How do accidents impact the community in Havana?
Traffic accidents in Havana can lead to injuries, loss of personal belongings, and delays in emergency response times, affecting the safety and well-being of the community.