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New details clarified the accident that occurred this Monday in Santiago de Cuba: it was not an adolescent, as initially reported, but a 9-year-old boy named Brian Marten Mayet, who fell into a vent while running after a ball in areas near the Antonio Maceo Polytechnic, known as Arte y Oficio.
The journalist Cuscó Tarradell specified on Facebook that the incident occurred around 5:30 PM on Monday. One of Brian's friends witnessed the fall and went to seek help, which allowed rescuers from Fire Command No. 4 in Vista Alegre and paramedics from SIUM Santiago to quickly arrive at the scene.
According to the post by lifeguard Aris Arias Batalla, the minor was extracted and urgently transferred to the Dr. Antonio María Béguez César Pediatric Hospital, commonly known as “La Colonia,” where he received care from a multidisciplinary team consisting of neurosurgeons, traumatologists, maxillofacial surgeons, clinicians, and imaging specialists.
X-rays and laboratory tests confirmed that there were no fractures or serious injuries, although he remains under medical observation as part of the protocols.
The boy, a resident of 5th Street between 4th and Comandante Borrero #53 interior, started fifth grade on Monday at the Simón Bolívar primary school.
His family, still shaken by the accident, stayed with him at the hospital alongside the rescue and salvage technicians who responded to the emergency.
The case revives concern in Santiago de Cuba, as in September 2024, a man fell into another 40-meter deep vent in the same area and managed to survive, Arias recalled.
Despite being fenced, neighbors report that they lack effective security and have become a constant danger near educational institutions.
Arias recalled that this is not the first time he has dealt with incidents of this nature and urged the authorities to reflect, pointing out the negligence and bureaucracy that have allowed accidents at the vents to recur.
In this regard, accidents of this nature also occur in other provinces. Last Thursday, a citizen was rescued alive in Holguín after falling into a well, thanks to the quick intervention of the Rescue and Salvage Technicians from the No. 25 Fire Command of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
According to the information shared on social media by that organization, the firefighters acted swiftly in response to the emergency, managing to extract the victim and ensure their safety in a short time.
“They acted with impressive speed and admirable professionalism. There were no hesitations, only determined and trained action. Most importantly: they successfully completed the rescue and brought the person out alive!” the post emphasized.
Frequently asked questions about the incident of the child rescued in Santiago de Cuba
What happened to the boy rescued in Santiago de Cuba?
The 9-year-old boy, Brian Marten Mayet, fell into a storm drain while chasing a ball near the Antonio Maceo Polytechnic. He was rescued by firefighters and taken to the hospital, where it was confirmed that he did not suffer serious injuries.
What is the child's health status after the accident?
The child did not suffer fractures or serious injuries and remains under medical observation as part of the protocols. He received care from a multidisciplinary team at the Dr. Antonio María Béguez César Pediatric Hospital.
Why do structures like vents pose a danger in Santiago de Cuba?
Vents lack effective safety and have become a constant danger, especially near educational centers. Despite being fenced off, negligence and bureaucracy allow these accidents to recur, according to complaints from neighbors and rescuers.
What measures have been taken to prevent future accidents in vents and hazardous areas?
Until now, no effective measures have been implemented to ensure these structures. The complaints from neighbors and the calls from rescuers to the authorities have not resulted in concrete actions to prevent new incidents.
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