In a tragic incident on Monday, two children suffered severe injuries in Songo La Maya, Santiago de Cuba, when a car veered onto the sidewalk and struck them. The accident occurred between the Pioneers' Palace and the local cemetery.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta reported, citing an anonymous family member, that the children were in a neighborhood close to the cemetery when the car lost control. “There was a family gathering nearby, and the children were standing by a railing in front of a house when the car hit them, pinning them against the railing,” the family member explained.
According to the source, the vehicle's driver lost control due to a steering malfunction. The crash left one of the children, identified as Néstor Gabriel del Río Benavides, age 7, in critical condition. “His condition was so severe that they had to wait for an advanced life support ambulance to transport him,” the relative added.
An employee at Hospital Infantil Sur Dr. Antonio María Béguez César, known locally as "La Colonia Española," confirmed that Néstor sustained serious injuries. “He has blood accumulation in his chest and significant liver damage. He has already undergone surgery, but I prefer not to delve into medical details,” she stated.
The other child involved in the accident suffered an open femur fracture, but their identity has not yet been disclosed. The family source indicated that both children remain in a fragile state.
Family members and friends are urgently seeking O Negative blood donors to assist the injured children. Additionally, they have called for a prayer chain for the children's recovery.
In the comments section, Mayeta mentioned being contacted by a family member, who provided a phone number, +5355133160, for those interested in donating blood. An online user named Adrián León Estalella, who seems to know one of the kids, expressed his sorrow: “Oh Nestico! You have to pull through this; you are one of the smartest and liveliest kids in the neighborhood. You will make it because you are strong and God is with you; He will never abandon you. We are praying a lot for you.”
Most comments express support and hope for the families of the injured children, wishing for their swift recovery and believing they will overcome this crisis and leave the hospital healthy.
On the same day, another traffic accident in Santiago de Cuba resulted in several injuries, including one person in serious condition. This incident happened at the intersection of Enramadas and San Miguel streets, a bustling area in the city, as reported by Mayeta on his Facebook profile.
In a separate incident on Sunday in the province of Sancti Spíritus, a Lada car lost control and overturned on the road, though no injuries or fatalities were reported. The accident occurred on Paseo Marco García, in front of the local pizzeria, a notable site in Sancti Spíritus, as shared by Alexander Ríos Cruz in the Facebook group “ACCIDENTES BUSES & CAMIONES por más experiencia y menos víctimas,” sparking concern among users.
Tragically, four members of the same family from Holguín, including two minors, died early Saturday morning when their Lada collided with a truck on the Carretera Central. The deadly crash happened near a spot known as "Los Hoyos" in the municipality of Majagua, Ciego de Ávila, according to a witness who shared the news in the Facebook group Accidentes Buses & Camiones, choosing to remain anonymous.
Key Details on Recent Traffic Accidents in Cuba
What caused the accident involving the children in Santiago de Cuba?
The accident was caused by a vehicle losing control due to a steering malfunction, which led to the car hitting the children while they were on the sidewalk.
What is the condition of the injured children?
One child, Néstor Gabriel del Río Benavides, is in critical condition with severe injuries, including blood accumulation in the chest and liver damage. The other child sustained an open femur fracture, and both are in a delicate state.
How can people help the injured children?
People can assist by donating O Negative blood, which is urgently needed for the children. Potential donors can contact the provided phone number for more information.