On Tuesday, an emotional procession of Cuban taxi drivers took to the streets of Las Tunas to bid farewell to Rodelio Gómez Patiño, who tragically lost his life in a devastating accident on Monday. The incident occurred on the central highway near the town of Bejuco, resulting in three fatalities.
The accident unfolded at 3:10 PM when the taxi driven by Gómez Patiño collided head-on with a rental car intended for tourists. According to the Provincial Traffic Unit of the Ministry of the Interior, the taxi, with license plate B217284, veered into the opposite lane, crashing into the rental vehicle with license plate T043495.
Both vehicles were traveling in opposite directions; the taxi was en route to Matanzas, while the rental car was heading to Guantánamo. Tragically, the occupants of the tourist vehicle, identified as Danilo Gaiza Martínez, a Cuban citizen living abroad, and his companion, Daniel Gaiza Martínez, also perished at the scene. The collision sparked a fire in the rental car, complicating rescue efforts.
A caravan of taxis, organized in honor of Gómez Patiño, assembled more than a dozen vehicles that navigated the streets, conveying a message of solidarity and respect for their fallen comrade. A video shared on Facebook by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta captured the unity and mourning of the taxi drivers, who honked their horns in a final salute.
This heartbreaking event has deeply affected the Las Tunas community. Local authorities have extended their condolences to the victims' families and emphasized the critical importance of adhering to Law 109, the Road Safety Code, to prevent such tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tragic Accident in Las Tunas
What caused the accident involving Rodelio Gómez Patiño?
The accident was caused when the taxi driven by Rodelio Gómez Patiño veered into the opposite lane, resulting in a head-on collision with a rental car.
Who were the other victims in the accident?
The other victims were Danilo Gaiza Martínez, a Cuban citizen residing abroad, and his companion, Daniel Gaiza Martínez, both of whom were in the rental car.
How did the community respond to the tragedy?
The community responded with a heartfelt caravan of taxi drivers who took to the streets to show solidarity and respect for Rodelio Gómez Patiño, honking their horns as a tribute.