A tragic accident claimed the life of Raúl Antonio Acosta Fuentes, a five-year-old boy, on Sunday afternoon in Santiago de Cuba. The child was traveling on a motorcycle with his father when the driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, collided with a bridge, as reported on social media by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
The young boy, who lived with his parents in block B of the José Martí District, passed away shortly after arriving at the North Children's Hospital, commonly known as "La Ondi." The father was transferred to another hospital in the city, and his condition remains unknown.
Details of the Accident
In a subsequent post, Mayeta Labrada identified the father as Raúl Acosta, an agent of the Technical Department of Investigations (DTI). According to people familiar with the case, the accident occurred at a bridge located at El Palmar, specifically at kilometer 11.5 on the El Castillito highway, just outside Santiago de Cuba.
Mayeta Labrada reported that the child's mother, identified as Yaimara Fuentes, lashed out at him for publicizing the news. "Don't be so insensitive with other people's pain. Remove my son's photo from your profile; all you want is to gain followers. You don't play with a mother's grief," she wrote.
The journalist defended himself, stating he had no intention of removing either the photo or the information from his page. He added that the mother's harsh words seemed more like those of "an enforcer serving the regime" rather than a grieving parent.
"I feel the loss of a child deeply, but I condemn the reckless behavior of driving under the influence, which led to this tragic accident and the loss of a young life. Our publications are always committed to truth, human dignity, and the unfortunate nature of each incident. We call for reflection and appropriate governmental response to each event," clarified Mayeta Labrada.
"I don't earn a penny nor do I succumb to pressure from anyone, especially those loyal to a regime," he concluded.
In a third post, the journalist emphasized, "Driving drunk with a child on the gas tank at high speed should never be considered an accident; it's murder."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Santiago de Cuba Accident
In light of the recent tragic accident in Santiago de Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more clarity on the situation.
What caused the accident in Santiago de Cuba?
The accident was caused by the driver's alleged intoxication, which led to a collision with a bridge.
Who was involved in the accident?
The accident involved Raúl Antonio Acosta Fuentes, a five-year-old boy, and his father, Raúl Acosta, an agent of the Technical Department of Investigations (DTI).
What was the reaction of the child's mother?
The child's mother, Yaimara Fuentes, expressed her anger towards journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada for sharing the news and her son's photo on social media.
What did the journalist say in response to the mother's reaction?
Yosmany Mayeta Labrada defended his actions, stating that his reports are always truthful and aimed at promoting reflection and governmental action.