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The city of Cárdenas, in Matanzas, woke up marked by shock after the confirmation of the death of Agustín, a homeless man who was set on fire during the early morning in the Fructuoso Rodríguez neighborhood.
According to reports shared on social media by residents of the municipality, Agustín—known by many neighbors and described as a person with psychiatric disorders—was sleeping on the benches of some kiosks when the incident occurred.
According to preliminary reports, the man had poured fuel on his body to repel mosquitoes and, in that context, an 18-year-old reportedly set him on fire, which he considered a "game".
A neighbor managed to assist him and extinguish the flames before urgently transporting him to a health center in Cárdenas.
Due to the severity of the burns, he was later referred to the “Faustino Pérez” University Hospital in the city of Matanzas, where he remained in critical condition, according to reports on social media from local and official sources.
Hours later, his death was confirmed due to the severe injuries. Witnesses claim that during the transfer, Agustín could barely communicate and was in very delicate condition.
Authorities reported that the alleged responsible party has been detained. It is a young man, 18 years old, who remains under investigation while the facts are being clarified.
Neighbors in Cárdenas have expressed sorrow and outrage over what happened. "He didn’t bother anyone," commented some residents, who mourned the death of a vulnerable person who lived on the street and was well-known in the community.
The case has sparked a strong debate on social media about violence against homeless individuals and the lack of protection for those suffering from mental disorders, within a context of increasing social and economic deterioration.
The officialist profile "With Everyone, Victory" stated that "carelessness, lack of awareness, and disregard for the vulnerability of others turn a light action into a deep wound for an entire community."
He also stated that there will be no tolerance for an event like this, amidst a growing loss of credibility in the Cuban authorities.
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