They took advantage of the chaos following an accident to steal, and they are already detained in Bayamo

The incident, which has sparked outrage, adds to a troubling series of similar events in Cuba.

Car accident in BayamoPhoto © Facebook/Rafael Traba

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What started as a dramatic traffic accident with several injured in Bayamo ended up revealing another equally painful face: the indifference and human misery that led several individuals to steal belongings from the victims instead of helping them.

The accident occurred on Saturday on the road from Bayamo to Holguín, when a passenger car, which was allegedly traveling at high speed, violently collided with a private vehicle.

Image of the accident in Bayamo. Facebook/CNCTV Granma

The scene was heartbreaking, with the private vehicle split in two, debris scattered across the road, and witnesses left shocked by the magnitude of the impact.

However, what caused the most outrage was not only the condition of the injured or the pieces of metal scattered on the asphalt, but the behavior of some who took advantage of the tragedy to loot.

According to the official profile El Cubano Fiel, several individuals began to steal the belongings of the accident victims, while others recorded with their cell phones and few approached to help.

Capture from Facebook/El Cubano Fiel

The authorities acted swiftly and managed to apprehend a group of individuals involved in these acts of looting. According to the official narrative, witnesses stated that the urgent intervention of the police was necessary, as they had to divide their efforts between assisting the victims and containing the looters.

Some stolen items, according to El Cubano Fiel.

This is not the first time something like this has happened in Cuba. In April 2024, in Santiago de Cuba, a woman who fell from a motorcycle was robbed of her phone, money, and documents by someone who pretended to help her.

In another incident that occurred in November of the same year in Old Havana, they stole the cellphone of a deceased individual and the money from the injured driver, while the emergency was still being handled.

These incidents, far from being isolated cases, reveal an ethical fracture that extends beyond the economic crisis. In a Cuba where scarcity, social stress, and distrust have deeply rooted themselves, these behaviors raise alarm. Not only because of the act itself, but because they uncover a frayed moral fabric, a loss of values that cannot be resolved merely with more police, but rather through collective reflection.

Authorities assure that those responsible for the looting in Bayamo have been arrested and will face trial. However, the true punishment, the harshest one, comes from the people who refuse to become accustomed to living amidst misery and dehumanization.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Theft Following the Accident in Bayamo and Crime in Cuba

What happened in the traffic accident in Bayamo?

In Bayamo, a traffic accident resulted in looting of the victims by some individuals, who were subsequently arrested. The incident was caused by a tourist vehicle that collided at high speed with a private car, leaving several injured.

What was the authorities' reaction to the looting in Bayamo?

The authorities acted immediately and arrested those responsible for the looting. The police had to split their efforts between assisting the injured and containing the looters, who are facing charges for their actions.

Why is there an increase in crime in Cuba?

The rise in crime in Cuba is attributed to the deep economic and social crisis, which has led to an increase in theft and acts of violence. Scarcity, social stress, and distrust have eroded the moral fabric of Cuban society.

How is the population reacting to insecurity in Cuba?

In the face of insecurity, many citizens have begun to take justice into their own hands, detaining criminals and handing them over to the police. This phenomenon reflects the frustration and vulnerability they feel due to the ineffectiveness of the authorities.

What measures are being taken to address crime in Cuba?

Although the authorities have increased arrests, the population is calling for more effective measures and a clear institutional response to curb crime. There is a significant need to collectively reflect on the loss of values in Cuban society.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.