A Cuban military officer from the Armed Forces (FAR) died after several days in the hospital following a traffic accident in Santiago de Cuba, as reported by official sources. Major Yorlai Tito Rengifo, who served in the Tank Division, sustained injuries in a road accident on an unspecified date. He was treated at the Naval Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries, according to a military statement on Facebook.
The Tank Division paid tribute to Tito Rengifo’s military career in an obituary published Sunday, describing him as a "hero" whose life exemplified dedication, sacrifice, discipline, loyalty, and unconditional love for the homeland. The statement praised the FAR officer, highlighting his discipline and passion from his earliest days in the institution, always ready to face any challenge with determination and honor.
The Tank Division expressed sorrow over the premature death of the officer, considering him a role model as a "man, father, husband, son, friend," who never hesitated to give himself fully with a clean moral compass and a genuine smile that spoke of courage and love for the cause he defended. The obituary praised Tito Rengifo's contributions to the Cuban army and his defense of the revolution.
Social media posts were accompanied by photos and a video of the officer’s funeral services, which included military honors such as a salute of gunfire at the cemetery. After the solemn ceremony, family members played music in memory of Tito Rengifo. The Tank Division did not detail the circumstances of the traffic accident that led to the FAR major’s death, but a pinned comment in the posts emphasized "clarifying doubts" and urged the "counterrevolution" to sympathize with the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues.
In response to the provocative message, a user expressed indignation, stating that "the Tank Division is a trap for young Cubans" and that there is significant risk involved. He also urged parents to protect their children when they are recruited for mandatory Military Service in Cuba, particularly in tank units.
The late Cuban officer's death also drew a response from former spy Gerardo Hernández, who wrote on social media, "The great tank family is in mourning. We have lost Major Yorlai Tito Rengifo prematurely. Our condolences to his family and colleagues."
In a tragic incident last July, a military jeep driver lost control and collided with a taxi at 8 Vías, at the entrance of Havana. The crash resulted in the deaths of a foreign tourist and two young men fulfilling their Military Service. There was no official statement from the authorities regarding this incident.
Another accident involving a FAR truck occurred in Santiago de Cuba when it crashed into the porch of a house in the Mariana de la Torre neighborhood. No casualties were reported. It was revealed that the military vehicle was on an emergency mission, presumably transporting an injured soldier to the Joaquín Castillo Duany Military Hospital.
Key Questions About Recent Cuban Military Accidents
What were the circumstances of Major Yorlai Tito Rengifo's accident?
The specific circumstances of Major Tito Rengifo's accident have not been disclosed by the Cuban military.
How did the Cuban military honor Major Tito Rengifo?
Major Tito Rengifo was honored with a military funeral that included a salute of gunfire, and his contributions to the military and revolution were celebrated in an obituary.
Have there been other recent military vehicle accidents in Cuba?
Yes, there have been other recent accidents, including a military jeep collision in Havana resulting in casualties and a FAR truck crash in Santiago de Cuba without reported injuries.