A large caravan of motorcyclists accompanied the funeral on Tuesday of one of the young individuals who lost their lives in the tragic traffic accident that occurred early Monday morning in Santiago de Cuba.
The independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared on Facebook a reel that displays the emotional moment when dozens of motorcyclists escort the funeral procession through the intersection of Calvario and Paseo Martí, in a show of respect and tribute to the victim.
Although the publication does not specify the identity of the deceased, it concerns one of the three young people who lost their lives in the accident.
The collision occurred at the intersection of Morro Road and 11th Street, in the Veguita de Galo neighborhood, a location deemed hazardous by local residents.
According to the information shared by Mayeta himself and other users on social media, the accident involved a motorcycle and an electric scooter.
The fatalities, later identified, were Félix Sandi Ortiz, 39 years old; Darilen Gonce Salas, 20 years old; and Leonel Bell Bravo, 22 years old.
The first two were traveling on the scooter, alongside a third occupant, Víctor Ernesto Baibir, 29, who suffered minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital.
Bell, the driver of the Jawa-type motorcycle, later died at the Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany military hospital, where he underwent surgery.
The images shared after the incident reveal the severity of the impact, and cans of beer were found at the scene, which could be considered as part of the investigation into the causes of the accident.
On social media, numerous residents of Santiago expressed their grief and demanded measures to prevent tragedies from occurring again at that intersection.
"During the time I lived there, I counted more than seven accidents, some of them fatal. They should put up a stop sign or anything to prevent so many deaths in such a grim location," commented Lianny Sánchez.
Other internet users expressed their condolences to the victims' families and agreed that tragedies like this should serve as an urgent call to road awareness and the need to drive with greater responsibility on Cuban streets.
Santiago de Cuba, considered by many as the capital of motorcycles in the country, has cultivated a strong culture surrounding the use of motorcycles, both out of necessity and by affinity.
This reality, however, contrasts with the high frequency of accidents involving these vehicles, which all too often end in tragedy. In response to the loss of a motorcyclist, it is common for other drivers to join in funeral processions as a show of respect, affection, and solidarity with the families.
In recent times, this type of tribute has been repeated with remarkable emotion. In 2024, a caravan accompanied the remains of a beloved truck driver in Santiago, in an event that touched the hearts of neighbors and social media users.
Similarly, that same year, dozens of motorcyclists paid tribute to a young man who lost his life in a traffic accident, escorting his coffin to the cemetery.
Another touching case occurred in March, when family and friends bid farewell to a young motorcyclist who lost his life in another accident in the city, again highlighting the strength of these community rituals among motorcyclists in Santiago.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tragic Accident in Santiago de Cuba
What happened in the traffic accident in Santiago de Cuba?
The accident occurred on Monday morning at the intersection of Carretera del Morro and Calle 11, in the Veguita de Galo neighborhood, where a motorcycle and an electric scooter collided. The incident resulted in the deaths of three young individuals: Félix Sandi Ortiz, Darilen Gonce Salas, and Leonel Bell Bravo.
What was the tribute paid to one of the victims of the accident like?
A large motorcycle caravan accompanied the funeral of one of the young deceased. The emotional moment was captured in a video that shows dozens of motorcyclists escorting the funeral procession.
What is known about the causes of the accident?
Although investigations are ongoing, cans of beer were found at the accident site, suggesting that alcohol consumption may have been a contributing factor. The lack of adequate signage at the intersection has also been pointed out by residents as a recurring issue.
What measures have been suggested to prevent future accidents in the area?
Residents have expressed their concerns about the frequency of accidents at the intersection where the incident occurred. It has been suggested to install traffic signals, such as a "stop" sign, to enhance road safety and prevent further tragedies.
Filed under:
