Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz expressed their condolences on Sunday following the tragic death of Diomisley Llerena Suárez, the first secretary of the Municipal Committee of the Communist Party in Cruces, Cienfuegos province. She passed away on Saturday in a traffic accident alongside her driver, Efrén Delgado.
Díaz-Canel commended Llerena as a "tireless revolutionary, always at the forefront of our organization," but did not mention the driver who also perished. In contrast, Marrero Cruz included both victims in his message, stating, "We extend our condolences to the families and friends of comrade Diomisley Llerena Suárez (...) and the driver accompanying her, who lost their lives in a traffic accident."
Other regime leaders also reacted. Roberto Morales Ojeda, the Organization Secretary of the PCC, described her as a "frontline fighter, loyal to the Party and the Revolution, embodying the spirit of Mariana and Vilma." Meanwhile, the President of the National Assembly, Esteban Lazo, conveyed his sympathies to the families, friends, and fellow members.
Details of the Accident
The accident took place near Paradero de Camarones at approximately 6:20 pm on Saturday, according to the PCC Provincial Bureau in Cienfuegos and local media such as Perlavisión. The official report only mentioned the loss of both individuals, without specifying the cause of the incident.
Armando Carranza Valladares, the first secretary of the PCC in the province, highlighted Llerena Suárez's career on social media, noting her beginnings with the Union of Young Communists and her transition to professional work with the Party in 2012.
Although the official version avoided specifics, the outlet La Tijera cited witnesses claiming the official vehicle was traveling at around 150 km/h despite heavy rain in the area, which might have led to the tragic outcome. However, this information has not been confirmed by authorities, who continue to investigate the incident.
Key Questions About the Incident
Who were the victims of the accident in Cienfuegos?
The victims were Diomisley Llerena Suárez, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Cruces, and her driver, Efrén Delgado.
What caused the accident near Paradero de Camarones?
The official cause has not been disclosed, but witness reports suggest the vehicle was speeding at 150 km/h in heavy rain, which may have contributed to the accident.
How did Cuban leaders respond to the deaths?
Cuban leaders, including Miguel Díaz-Canel and Manuel Marrero Cruz, offered condolences, while other officials highlighted Llerena's dedication to the Party and the Revolution.