Family members and neighbors bid farewell to the Cuban child who was swept away by a sewer in Havana on Monday afternoon amid a flood.
The coffin with the body of the minor—found this Tuesday after more than 24 hours of intensive searching—was taken to his home in the Luyanó neighborhood.
A video from the independent media Cubanet shows several neighbors carrying the coffin and escorting it to the family home, which remained surrounded by hundreds of people.
Thirteen-year-old Jonathan Oliva passed away on Monday after being sucked into a drain during the intense rains in Havana while returning home from school.
From the moment the accident occurred, several rescue teams were activated, including the Cuban Fire Department, Rescue and Salvage, the Police, and Hydraulic Resources, who worked diligently in the search for the minor.
The news of the discovery was confirmed by journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, although no additional details were provided regarding the exact circumstances of the body's discovery.
Jonathan lived on Fábrica Street, in the Havana municipality of Diez de Octubre.
According to reports, the minor was returning home from school when he got trapped in one of the most affected areas by the flooding, near the Miguel Enríquez Hospital. Within seconds, he was swept away by the water into a drain, from which he could not escape.
The tragic incident was captured on video by witnesses who were present at the scene.
Although Jonathan's parents, identified as Roly and Yami, were not present at that moment, they were later able to identify their son by his clothing and the silhouette of his body in the images.
The shock was immense when it was confirmed that it was Jonathan, affectionately known as "Papito."
Frequently Asked Questions about the tragic accident in Havana and infrastructure issues
How did the accident that caused Jonathan Oliva's death in Havana happen?
Jonathan Oliva, a 13-year-old Cuban boy, passed away after being swept away by an uncovered storm drain in Havana during a flood. The tragic incident occurred as he was returning home from school and was pulled into an open drain, from which he could not escape. This event highlighted the lack of signage and protection around the drains in the city.
What infrastructure problems contributed to the accident in Havana?
The accident involving Jonathan Oliva was worsened by infrastructure issues in Havana, such as the accumulation of garbage that obstructs drainage systems and the deterioration of rainwater infrastructure. These recurring problems complicate flooding in the city, increasing the risk of accidents like the one that occurred with Jonathan.
What criticisms have emerged against the Cuban government following Jonathan's accident?
After the death of Jonathan Oliva, criticisms have emerged against the Cuban government for the lack of signage and protection around open manholes. Official negligence has been highlighted for failing to properly maintain the drainage infrastructure and the government's responsibility has been questioned, suggesting that the blame lies with the parents for not supervising the minor, rather than acknowledging the shortcomings in urban infrastructure management.
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