The tale of Miguel Ángel, a 20-year-old from Las Tunas who endured a 33,000-volt electric shock while fulfilling his Mandatory Military Service in Havana, continues to rally Cubans both on the island and abroad.
This incident gained traction on social media after a post by a user known as "Noli Blas" from Holguín, which was further amplified by "Historiador Santa Maria," a Cuban expatriate who shared the story on Facebook Reels and took swift action.
"I couldn't get it out of my mind, so I sent some money to Cuba," explained "Historiador Santa Maria" in a video. He narrated how he asked his father to purchase a blender, a stove, and food for the young man, as Miguel Ángel needs a special diet due to the aftermath of the accident.
The father of "Historiador Santa Maria" personally visited Miguel Ángel and his mother in Las Tunas. His report was heartbreaking: "My dad said it tears at your soul, folks, it's truly sad. I've seen many cases, but this one really hit me hard."
During the visit, the father was also unable to hold back his tears: "My dad said he couldn't stop crying, and neither could the mother."
The Tragic Accident That Changed Everything
Miguel Ángel was only 20 years old when the accident altered his life forever. He was on duty at a military post when a pole made contact with a high-voltage power line.
The shock inflicted severe injuries on his arms, legs, abdomen, and back, rendering him unconscious.
He spent a year and three months in intensive care at the Naval Hospital in Havana, where he underwent a tracheotomy. Although he was discharged on January 10, he continues to suffer from significant aftereffects and struggles to walk normally.
Neither Miguel Ángel nor his mother have received any compensation from the Cuban government.
A Wave of Solidarity and Support
"So young, and that boy can't work anymore, he's just a kid, it's heartbreaking," lamented "Historiador Santa Maria," whose video garnered over 23,000 views and nearly 1,800 reactions on Facebook.
The Corazón Valiente Project, coordinated by someone known as "Kiki," also joined the wave of support. They publicly appealed to activist Merli Pérez Quintero on Facebook to raise awareness about the case and channel further assistance to the young man.
"Miguel Ángel has endured incredibly challenging times. His life has been completely transformed, and he faces new hurdles daily. His story deserves to be heard because behind it lies pain, sacrifice, strength, and a strong desire to move forward," the project stated in their post.
Alarming Statistics on Military Service Tragedies
Miguel Ángel's case is not an isolated incident. A report by the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC), released on July 20, 2026, documented at least 97 recruits who have died or gone missing during Military Service from 2001 to spring 2026, with an average age of 18.7 years.
The Cuban government does not release official statistics on these deaths, leading the OCAC to warn that the actual number could be even higher.
Those wishing to support Miguel Ángel can reach out to the Corazón Valiente Project through coordinator Kiki at the phone number 51324539.
Supporting Young Cuban Victims of Military Accidents
What happened to Miguel Ángel during his military service?
Miguel Ángel suffered a critical accident when a pole contacted a high-voltage power line, resulting in severe injuries and a prolonged hospital stay.
How can people help Miguel Ángel?
Supporters can contact the Corazón Valiente Project through coordinator Kiki at 51324539 to offer assistance.
Are there other similar cases during Cuban military service?
Yes, a report by the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory highlights at least 97 similar incidents involving deaths or disappearances during military service between 2001 and 2026.