Two recruits serving in Active Military Service (SMA) died after being struck by a bus in areas of the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) in the province of Artemisa, as various reports have confirmed, although official sources remain silent about the incident.
The tragic incident is said to have occurred around three in the afternoon on Sunday, when a bus lost control and violently crashed into a security booth at the entrance of the premises, according to initially reported by the news portal La Tijera.
According to that version, the accident would have resulted in the deaths of three people: the two young men who were on duty at the guard booth and the bus driver.
"They indicated that one of the recruits died on the spot, while the other and the driver passed away on the way to the hospital," revealed the source.
However, in the comments section of that and other publications that shared the information, some internet users with knowledge of the case clarified that the driver has not died and is currently hospitalized.
The independent medium 14ymedio also claims that the driver did not die, but was transferred to the Calixto García Hospital in Havana, where he underwent surgery.
The aforementioned outlet stated that this information was corroborated by several people close to the driver.
Regarding the cause of the incident, several hypotheses are being considered: from the possibility that the driver may have suffered hypoglycemia, to a potential brake failure or excess speed, although there is no official information.
Regarding the two fatal victims, it has been reported that one of the young men was from the town of San Germán, in the Holguin municipality of Urbano Noris, and the other was from the municipality of Najasa, in Camagüey, with the latter identified by users on social media as "Maikel".
According to the account of the events reported by La Tijera, the family of one of the young men has reportedly decided not to allow military presence or the establishment of an honor guard during the wake, a decision that has been supported on social media as an act of dignity and protest. However, that information has not been confirmed.
Official absence and popular outcry against Military Service
So far, the Cuban authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the accident. This silence has outraged the public, who have turned to social media to express their grief and condemn Mandatory Military Service, which is seen as an unnecessary and dangerous imposition.
The comments on social media are overwhelmingly critical.
Phrases like "NO to Mandatory Military Service," "they are killing our young people," or "this has to stop now" are being repeated.
Expressions of support for families are widespread, and there are repeated calls for civil disobedience against what many consider a mechanism of oppression to control Cuban youth.
Military Service Under Scrutiny
This new incident adds to a long list of tragic events associated with Military Service in Cuba.
In January of this year, 13 young people died in Rafael Freyre, Holguín due to an explosion of munitions. Nine of the victims were recruits, and their bodies were never returned to their families.
This is joined by the young people who lost their lives in the tragic explosion at the Supertankers Base in Matanzas in 2022.
That history of deaths, accidents, and lack of transparency has fueled a growing public rejection of Military Service, which is no longer limited to opposing sectors but extends to mothers, fathers, and ordinary citizens.
The perception that the children of leaders do not fulfill this type of service increases the feeling of injustice and inequality.
Social media has become a mirror of the country, reflecting a blend of sadness, anger, and helplessness. For many Cubans, these young people represent a generation forced to live between impositions and tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions about the accident in the Special Development Zone of Mariel
What happened in the ZED Mariel accident?
Two recruits from the Military Service died after being struck by a bus in the Special Development Zone of Mariel. The vehicle lost control and crashed into a security booth where the young men were located.
What were the causes of the accident in Mariel?
There is no official information regarding the causes of the accident, but it is speculated that it may have been due to the driver's hypoglycemia, a brake failure, or excessive speed.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the accident in Mariel?
The population has expressed its outrage on social media, criticizing the official silence and the Mandatory Military Service, viewed as a dangerous imposition on young Cubans.
What has been the official response regarding the accident at ZED Mariel?
So far, Cuban authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the accident, which has generated criticism and discontent among the population.
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