A severe traffic accident shook the bustling Martí Avenue in Santiago de Cuba on Wednesday. A large truck, specifically a trailer from a Cement Factory, collided with and dragged a motorcycle carrying two people. The accident occurred right after the traffic light changed, witnessed by dozens of onlookers.
According to accounts gathered by journalist Yosmany Mayeta, the motorcycle was stationary at the traffic light, directly in front of the truck. It seems the truck's height prevented the driver from noticing the motorcycle. Within moments, and without warning, the trailer moved forward on the green light, crushing the motorcycle beneath and dragging it several meters with the two riders trapped underneath the chassis.
Driver's Negligence: A Distraction with Dire Consequences
Witnesses pointed to a critical factor: the truck driver was allegedly using his cellphone at the time of the accident. “The driver kept moving forward, oblivious to the situation, while everyone was shouting at him. He seemed distracted,” stated someone who saw the accident unfold from the middle of the street. The quick response from pedestrians managed to halt the truck's progress. They shouted to alert the driver, who finally stopped the vehicle. By then, the motorcycle was partially wrecked, and its riders, though injured, were alive beneath the heavy truck.
Miraculously, both motorcyclists survived the accident. However, they sustained significant injuries. One suffered friction burns over large areas of his body, while the other required deep sutures on one of his legs.
Institutional Misconduct and Possible Cover-Up
The accident not only caused physical harm but also led to accusations of institutional abuse. The family of the injured motorcyclist reported further mistreatment. Despite his injuries, he was held for hours at the Micro 9 Police Station, forced to give a statement while still visibly in pain. “They kept him sitting there as if he were at fault,” his family expressed with indignation to the press.
As reported by Mayeta, the head of transportation from the Cement Factory—owner of the trailer—arrived at the scene. Instead of showing concern for the victims, she defended the involved driver. This behavior fueled suspicion among witnesses and relatives, who suspect an attempt to cover up the incident.
“My Father is the Victim, Not the Culprit”
With deep frustration, the motorcyclist’s family called for justice. “My father is the victim, not the culprit. His leg is stitched, he has burns all over his body, yet they forced him to sit and declare as if he did something wrong,” stated the son of one of the victims. The family emphasizes that state enterprise interests should not interfere in the investigation. They fear the case might be manipulated to protect the truck driver, compromising the rights of the injured.
Neighbors and witnesses to the accident demand justice. They urge authorities to conduct a transparent investigation, consider witness testimonies, and ensure victims' rights are respected without bias or external pressure.
Key Questions on the Santiago de Cuba Traffic Incident
What caused the traffic accident in Santiago de Cuba?
The accident was caused when a large truck failed to notice and collided with a stationary motorcycle at a traffic light, dragging it several meters with two riders underneath.
Were there any injuries from the Santiago de Cuba accident?
Yes, both motorcyclists sustained injuries. One suffered friction burns, and the other required stitches on his leg.
What accusations have been made following the accident?
The family of the injured motorcyclist accused the authorities of institutional abuse for holding the injured rider at a police station. They also suspect a cover-up attempt by the Cement Factory's transportation head.