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This Saturday, a traffic accident on the Vía Blanca, near the Itabo Bridge, in Habana del Este, resulted in the death of a motorcyclist, according to reports on social media.
The driver involved, allegedly in control of a truck that was traveling at high speed, fled the scene, the news portal La Tijera specified on social media.
According to several witnesses, the incident occurred between 8:00 and 9:00 PM, and not in the early morning as initially reported. However, other sources suggest it may have actually happened a bit earlier.
According to neighbors and passersby, the victim was left lying on the asphalt, covered with a black nylon and surrounded by stones and plant clippings, while police officers and the Operational Guard secured the scene.
Some witnesses report that, when they passed by the place earlier, the accident had not yet occurred, and that the section was in twilight, with "tremendous darkness" and insufficient lighting.
Others provided details about what was found at the site: personal belongings, a yarey hat, jars of cream, and children's items.
This has raised speculations about whether the victim was traveling with someone or was carrying belongings of a minor. However, this detail has not been clarified.
Testimonies found and debate about responsibilities
The widespread outrage over the driver's escape is mixed with divided opinions on the causes.
A neighbor pointed out that “trucks are prohibited from traveling on Vía Blanca during this summer period, unless there is express authorization”, and reported that the corresponding resolution is not always enforced.
Others, however, suggested that the truck driver may not have been aware of the impact, especially if the motorcycle was electric and did not have rear lights.
"Many of those who ride electric motorcycles know nothing about traffic laws, very many," commented a regular driver from the area, although she acknowledged that the minimum duty is to stop and provide assistance.
In response to this stance, there were strong rejections.
"Where do you leave the truck driver who knows he crashed and fled... he left him abandoned on the road lifeless, as if he had run over an animal," expressed another testimony.
The debate also highlighted the clash of perceptions between truck drivers and motorcyclists, with mutual accusations of recklessness.
The human impact and citizen outrage
The news has generated significant social unrest, accompanied by messages of sorrow and anger.
"This is devastating... it broke my heart to see how they had him just lying there," recounted a person who passed by the place shortly after the incident.
Several voices demanded that the responsible party be permanently stripped of their license and that a strong message be sent against the growing trend of "hit and run."
The darkness, the poor condition of the roads, the lack of signs, and the excessive speed in the area were identified as factors that increase the risk.
For many, this incident not only reflects an individual tragedy but also a combination of negligence, lack of oversight, and deterioration of road conditions.
"There is always a need to help," affirmed a neighbor, convinced that there is no justification for abandoning an injured person.
Voices agree that beyond the criminal sanction, the incident should open a debate about respecting traffic regulations, driver responsibility, and the need to enhance lighting and signage in hazardous sections.
As one of the commenters on the news warned: “Today it was someone we don’t know… tomorrow it could be one of our family members.”
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