An unexpected tragedy struck on Tuesday when a 67-year-old man suddenly passed away outside the Ministry of the Interior's (MININT) Processing Unit located in the José Martí Urban Center of Santiago de Cuba, specifically in the Micro 9 area. The gentleman had gone there to apply for a new identification card.
The pro-government page, Héroes del Moncada, shared on Facebook that the deceased, who lived in the nearby U38 building, experienced chest pain while waiting for his turn and tragically died on the spot. According to officials, his family mentioned that he suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. The coroner confirmed that the cause of death was natural, and by around 10:00 AM, a funeral vehicle transported the body so that the family could arrange the funeral services.
In contrast, independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported on Facebook that the area was quickly cordoned off by a significant police presence. Residents claimed that authorities prevented photos from being taken, restricting any citizen documentation of the incident. A leaked photo revealed the body covered by a white sheet behind a motorcycle, indicating a controlled environment around the scene.
Locals voiced their concerns not only about the man's sudden demise but also about the authorities' handling of the situation in such a public space, highlighting the strict surveillance and lack of transparency, as noted by Mayeta.
Adding to the day's grim events in Santiago de Cuba, another disturbing report emerged from the Abel Santamaría Urban Center, colloquially known as "El Sala’o," in Micro 3. A human head, in an advanced state of decomposition, was discovered inside a trash container. This grisly find was made by workers from the Communal Services Company during garbage collection. As they emptied the bin into the tractor's dumpster, the "swollen and decomposed" head became visible among the waste, causing immediate alarm.
Questions on Recent Tragic Events in Santiago de Cuba
What was the cause of death for the man at the MININT office?
The coroner determined that the man's death was due to natural causes, as he suffered from diabetes, hypertension, and a kidney condition.
How did authorities respond to the man's death?
Authorities responded by cordoning off the area with a strong police presence, preventing photographs and limiting citizen documentation.
What was discovered in the Abel Santamaría Urban Center?
A human head in an advanced state of decomposition was found inside a garbage container by communal workers during waste collection.