On Tuesday, the lifeless body of Jonathan Oliva, a 13-year-old boy, was discovered after he was tragically swept into a storm drain during the flooding in Havana. This news was confirmed by journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, although further details about the location or circumstances of the recovery were not provided.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday, prompting an immediate search by the Cuban Firefighters Corps, Rescue and Salvage teams, the Police, Hydraulic Resources, and other city authorities to locate the boy's remains. Jonathan Oliva resided on Fábrica Street, nestled between Herrera and Santa Felicia, in the Luyanó neighborhood within the Diez de Octubre municipality of Havana.
Earlier reports from state media today clarified that Jonathan was on his way home from school when he encountered the floodwaters. In a matter of seconds, without time to react, he was pulled into the storm drain. It was noted that while the drain system has various pathways, there is only one common outlet leading to Havana Bay.
According to the report, Jonathan's parents, identified as "Roly and Yami," were able to recognize their son from a distressing video that captured the moment he was pulled under. They identified him by his clothing and body shape, confirming it was him, affectionately nicknamed "Papito."
Julio César Gónzalez Pagés, an essayist and professor, expressed his sorrow over the boy's death. He noted that Jonathan's father is a physiotherapist at the Miguel Enríquez Hospital, also known as La Benéfica. "Yesterday, while returning from school, the rain caught him in an area historically prone to flooding, near Concha, Vía Blanca, and Villanueva Street, very close to where his father works," Pagés remarked. He added that despite the family's care and preventive measures, some accidents, unfortunately, cannot be foreseen.
Pagés concluded by extending heartfelt condolences to Jonathan's family, acknowledging the profound loss they are enduring.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tragic Incident in Havana
What caused the tragic incident involving Jonathan Oliva?
Jonathan Oliva was swept into a storm drain during severe flooding in Havana, which led to his untimely death.
How did the family identify Jonathan?
Jonathan's parents recognized him from a video that showed him being pulled into the drain; they identified him by his clothing and body silhouette.
What measures were taken to recover Jonathan's body?
Authorities, including the Cuban Firefighters Corps and the Police, launched a search to locate and recover Jonathan's remains after the incident.