A tragic incident in Santiago de Cuba claimed the life of a Cuban mother after she was struck by a Yutong bus near the oil factory, close to the entrance of the Mar Verde prison area. The victim, identified as Yurinet Despaigne Sentil, leaves behind a five-year-old child. She was riding a bicycle with an unidentified companion at the time of the accident.
The bus involved in the accident is owned by Transtur and was operating for the Renté thermoelectric plant, according to journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook. The collision was so severe that the woman died instantly. The condition of the second person on the bicycle remains unknown at this time.
"It was a devastating and unforgettable event," shared a family member of the victim, as quoted by Mayeta Labrada. The accident occurred on a road frequently criticized by locals for its dangerous conditions, with a high volume of buses, trucks, bicycles, and pedestrians navigating an area lacking proper infrastructure and lighting.
Witnesses described the scene as heart-wrenching and emphasized that such tragedies could be prevented if basic road safety measures were in place. Residents of Mar Verde and surrounding areas are urging authorities to implement urgent improvements, including better signage, public lighting, visible pedestrian crossings, and increased traffic control during peak hours.
Additionally, they advocate for awareness campaigns targeting drivers and cyclists to promote adherence to traffic laws and discourage reckless behavior. As of the time of this report, further details about the accident have not emerged.
Road Safety and Accident Prevention in Santiago de Cuba
What measures are residents demanding to improve road safety?
Residents are calling for improved signage, public lighting, visible pedestrian crossings, and stricter traffic control during high-traffic periods.
Who was the victim in this tragic accident?
The victim was Yurinet Despaigne Sentil, a mother of a five-year-old child, who was riding a bicycle when she was hit by the bus.