A heartfelt procession of Cuban taxi drivers traversed the streets of Las Tunas on Tuesday to pay their respects to Rodelio Gómez Patiño, who tragically lost his life in an accident on Monday, along the central highway near the town of Bejuco.
The accident resulted in three fatalities. It occurred at 3:10 PM when the taxi driven by Gómez Patiño collided head-on with a rental car for tourists.
The Provincial Traffic Unit of the Ministry of the Interior stated that the taxi with license plate B217284 crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with the rented vehicle with license plate T043495.
The vehicles involved were traveling in opposite directions, the taxi heading towards Matanzas and the rental car towards Guantánamo.
The occupants of the rental car, identified as Danilo Gaiza Martínez, a Cuban citizen residing abroad, and his companion, Daniel Gaiza Martínez, also died at the scene. The accident caused a fire in the rented vehicle, further complicating rescue efforts.
The taxi caravan in honor of Gómez Patiño brought together more than a dozen vehicles, which drove through the streets conveying a message of solidarity and respect for their deceased colleague.
In a video shared by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook, one can see the unity and sorrow of the taxi drivers, who honked their horns in a sign of farewell.
This tragic incident has deeply moved the Tunera community. Local authorities expressed their condolences to the families and emphasized the importance of adhering to Law 109, the Road Safety Code, to prevent tragedies like this from happening.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Traffic Accident in Las Tunas
What happened in the traffic accident in Las Tunas?
The accident in Las Tunas occurred when a taxi collided head-on with a rental car, resulting in a fire in the tourist vehicle. The incident left three people dead, including the taxi driver and the two passengers in the rental car.
Where exactly did the accident occur in Las Tunas?
The accident occurred on the Central Highway of Cuba, near the town of Bejuco, approximately 20 kilometers before reaching the city of Las Tunas.
How many people died in the Las Tunas accident?
Three people died in the accident: Rodelio Gómez Patiño, the taxi driver, and the two occupants of the rental car, identified as Danilo Gaiza Martínez and Daniel Gaiza Martínez.
What are the common causes of traffic accidents in Cuba?
Common causes of accidents in Cuba include the poor condition of the roads and the lack of vehicle maintenance. These factors, combined with the high speeds of some drivers, particularly in rental tourist cars, contribute to the high incidence of accidents in the country.
How has the community of Las Tunas reacted to the accident?
The community of Las Tunas reacted with compassion and solidarity in response to the tragedy. A caravan of taxi drivers traveled the streets in tribute to Rodelio Gómez Patiño, the deceased taxi driver, displaying a message of respect and unity among colleagues.
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