Two children in critical condition after being struck by a car in Santiago de Cuba

Two minors were seriously injured after being struck by a car in Santiago de Cuba. Family members are asking for blood donors and a prayer chain due to their critical health condition.

Hospital Infantil Sur Dr. Antonio María Béguez César © TV Santiago
Children's Hospital Sur Dr. Antonio María Béguez CésarPhoto © TV Santiago

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Two minors were seriously injured this Monday in Songo La Maya, Santiago de Cuba, after being struck by a car while they were on the sidewalk between the Pioneers' Palace and the cemetery.

Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta reported that according to a family member, who preferred to remain anonymous, the children were in the neighborhood near the cemetery when the vehicle lost control: “There was a family gathering nearby, and the children were standing in front of a railing of a house when the car struck them, crushing them against the railing.”

Facebook screenshot / Yosmany Mayeta

According to the source, the driver of the vehicle is said to have lost control due to a steering failure, while the impact left one of the minors, identified as Néstor Gabriel del Río Benavides, 7 years old, in critical condition.

"It was so bad that they had to wait for an advanced life support ambulance to take him," added the relative.

A worker from the Sur Dr. Antonio María Béguez César Children's Hospital, known as "La Colonia Española," confirmed that Néstor has serious injuries.

"He has a build-up of blood in the chest and significant liver damage. He has already undergone surgery, although I'd prefer not to go into medical details," he explained.

The other injured child suffered an open femur fracture, but their identity has not yet been disclosed. According to the same source, the condition of both minors remains critical.

Family members and loved ones have urgently requested O Negative blood donors, which is crucial for treating the injured children. Additionally, they have asked for a prayer chain to seek the recovery of the children.

In the comments section, Mayeta highlighted that a relative reached out to inform him that individuals interested in donating blood could contact the phone number +5355133160.

Similarly, an internet user named Adrián León Estalella, who evidently knows one of the children, expressed his sorrow about the situation: "Oh, Nestico! You have to get through this, you are one of the smartest and most lively kids in the neighborhood. You will get through this, my child, because you are strong and God is with you and will never forsake you. We are praying a lot for you."

The vast majority of the comments express encouragement and hope for the families of the children, wishing for their swift recovery and expressing confidence that they will overcome this crisis and come through the hospital successfully.

This Monday, a new traffic accident in the city of Santiago de Cuba left several people injured, including one in serious condition.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Enramadas and San Miguel streets, a densely populated area in the city, reported journalist Mayeta on his Facebook profile.

A traffic accident occurred on Sunday in the province of Sancti Spíritus when a Lada lost control and ended up overturned on the road, with no injuries or fatalities reported.

The incident, which occurred on Paseo Marco García, in front of the local pizzeria, one of the city's landmarks in Sancti Spíritus, was reported by Alexander Ríos Cruz in the Facebook group "ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES por más experiencia y menos víctimas," raising concern among users.

However, four members of the same family from Holguín, two of whom were minors, passed away early Saturday morning after the vehicle they were traveling in collided with a truck on the Central Highway.

The tragic accident occurred near a place known as "Los Hoyos," in the municipality of Majagua, Ciego de Ávila, according to a witness who shared the information anonymously in the Facebook group Accidentes Buses & Camiones.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Accident in Santiago de Cuba That Left Two Children in Critical Condition

What happened in the accident in Songo La Maya, Santiago de Cuba?

Two children were seriously injured after being struck by a car while they were on the sidewalk between the Palace of Pioneers and the cemetery. The vehicle lost control and crushed them against a railing.

What is the health status of the children injured in Santiago de Cuba?

One of the minors, Néstor Gabriel del Río Benavides, is in critical condition with a buildup of blood in the chest and liver damage, while the other child has an open femur fracture. Both are in serious condition.

How can people help the children injured in the accident?

The families of the children have requested donations of O Negative blood and have asked for a prayer chain for their recovery. Those interested in donating blood can contact the phone number +5355133160.

What measures are being taken in Cuba to reduce traffic accidents?

Although the authorities reported a decrease in the number of accidents during the first half of 2024, the measures implemented have not been sufficient according to the public's perception. There is a need to improve infrastructure and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on current events in Cuba and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.