A motorcyclist sustained injuries when a Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) truck collided with him on a busy street in Santiago de Cuba. The incident occurred this past Sunday at the intersection of Escario and Pedrera streets, as reported by journalist Yosmany Mayeta based on eyewitness accounts.
"The driver, who was the most affected, lay motionless on the ground for about 10 minutes. Initially, he appeared lifeless, but then he began to move, and those nearby helped him onto a vehicle to be taken to the hospital," a witness reported.
Eyewitnesses Prevent Escape
Witnesses stated that the driver of the involved truck, which displayed the acronym UCM (Military Construction Units) on its side, attempted to flee the scene. However, bystanders at the accident site prevented his escape. The truck is believed to belong to the military unit in Antilla but was operating at the Cemento Moncada factory, according to Mayeta Labrada.
Photos from the scene depicted the damage to the motorcycle and the spillage of both gasoline and the injured man's blood on the pavement. "I wish you a speedy recovery; all your brothers from the taxi stand are praying for you," wrote a source close to the victim in the comments section of the post.
Community Reaction
Several sources confirmed that the injured party, who was apparently taken to Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital, is now at home. "Thank God he is alive, with injuries, but alive," noted someone close to the victim.
"It's clear that the truck driver ignored the stop sign, and the motorcycle had the right of way," an online commenter remarked, pointing to the supposed fault of the heavy vehicle's driver in the accident.
Outrage Over Military Immunity
Many internet users criticized the truck driver and speculated that, due to the FAR's involvement, there would be no repercussions. "Of course, now they'll take him off the truck and give him a Lada to drive the bosses around, which is why he wanted to flee. The stop sign was clearly visible," commented one user.
"Now, because it's part of the FAR, nothing will happen. They'll switch the driver to another vehicle, and the poor motorcyclist is left to bear the cost of repairing his bike, as the state pays a mere 200 pesos MN monthly until reaching whatever quota they set," added another.
"That's the trend now: they hit people, run away, and nothing happens. And if that vehicle belongs to the FAR, nothing will change. They'll claim the motorcyclist was drunk, and if the doctor says otherwise, they'll even revoke his mission," concluded a third commenter.