The phrase “truth is stranger than fiction” has never been more apt than in the bizarre and unfortunate scene that unfolded this Monday in Santiago de Cuba. A coffin fell from a hearse, landing in the middle of a busy and central avenue.
The distressing incident, reported by communicator Yosmany Mayeta on his Facebook profile, occurred on Victoriano Garzón Avenue, in front of a childcare center and in a heavily trafficked area of the eastern city, just a few blocks from the provincial headquarters of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and near the intersection marking kilometer 969 of the Central Highway.
“A few hours ago, a coffin fell from a hearse traveling on the central Victoriano Garzón Avenue in Santiago de Cuba,” wrote Mayeta, alongside a video and photos sent to him by an onlooker.
The source explained to the journalist, “The coffin fell out of the hearse, which apparently had a partially broken door.”
Upon realizing what had happened, the driver reversed to retrieve the coffin. Two men assisted him in lifting the casket back into the vehicle, while dozens of passersby stopped to witness the unbelievable situation, which might seem implausible if not for the recorded images.
Mayeta added that the destination of the hearse was unknown and requested his followers for “more details about this unfortunate situation.” He also conveyed his condolences to the family of the deceased.
Despite the unusual nature of the incident, it is not an isolated event and highlights the critical economic situation in the country. Even funeral services have not been spared, suffering from the dire state and shortage of vehicles, lack of materials for coffin production, and scarcity of flowers for wreaths.
Scenes of funeral processions with coffins carried on horse-drawn carriages, tractors, motorcycles, tricycles, and even pedicabs and carts are all too common and no less painful because of their frequency.
In 2016, images of a corpse falling from a hearse at the bustling corner of 23rd Street and G Avenue in Vedado, Havana, also caused a stir.
Key Questions About the Incident in Santiago de Cuba
To provide further clarity on this unusual event, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What caused the coffin to fall from the hearse?
The coffin fell due to a partially broken door on the hearse.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident took place on Victoriano Garzón Avenue, a busy area in Santiago de Cuba.
Is this type of incident common in Cuba?
Unfortunately, similar incidents are not uncommon due to the country's critical economic situation, which affects funeral services and other sectors.