Motorbike and Scooter Collision Claims Three Lives in Santiago de Cuba

In the early hours of Monday, a devastating crash involving motorcycles claimed the lives of three young individuals in Santiago de Cuba. The incident unfolded at the bustling intersection of Carretera del Morro and Calle 11, located in Veguita de Galo. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared the news on Facebook.

Initially, reports indicated a single fatality, but as the day progressed, confirmation came of two more young people succumbing to their injuries from the collision. Earlier, Mayeta identified one of the victims, known locally as "El Brother," as a resident of the Mariana de la Torre neighborhood.

The identities of the other two deceased individuals have yet to be disclosed, nor has it been specified whether there were additional injuries. The exact cause of the accident remains unclear, aside from the severe impact between a motorbike and a scooter, which left a disturbing scene.

In the comments section, several people confirmed the tragic and severe nature of the accident, with some expressing their connection to the identified victim, describing him as "a fighter." Orisel Álvarez Stivens remarked, "Rest in peace, El Brother, as he was called. His name was Sandy, a good guy, a good neighbor. This is so hard, such a pain for his mother, his only child, and his little daughter. May God receive him in His holy glory."

Lianny Sánchez highlighted the hazardous nature of the intersection, saying, "That corner is extremely dangerous. I used to live nearby and counted more than seven accidents, some fatal, during my time there. It's a very perilous location. They should install a stop sign or something to prevent so many deaths in such a grim place."

Additional details were provided by Aris Arias Batalla on Facebook, who identified the remaining victims. The electric scooter was carrying three individuals, resulting in the deaths of the driver, Félix Sandi Ortiz, aged 39, and a passenger, Darilen Gonce Salas, aged 20, who lived at Princesa #359, between Corona and Mejorana. The third passenger, Víctor Ernesto Baibir, aged 29, residing at Princesa #253 ½, between Padre Pico and Colón, sustained minor injuries and was discharged after receiving treatment for mere scratches.

The third fatality was the motorbike rider, Leonel Bell Bravo, aged 22, who died a few hours later while undergoing surgery at the Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany military hospital, where all accident victims were taken.

Arias also noted that beer cans were discovered at the crash site, as shown in social media images. Authorities are investigating the causes of the accident, which claimed three young lives on one of Santiago de Cuba's main roads.

Recent Traffic Fatalities in Cuba

Between January and March 2025, several fatal traffic accidents involving motorcycles occurred across the country. On January 12, a motorcyclist died in Havana after colliding with a truck at the intersection of 51st and 218th streets in La Lisa. Although social media reports suggested two young people on an electric motorbike died instantly, this version has not been officially confirmed.

A day later, on January 13, in Camagüey, three teenagers were injured when a scooter collided with a horse-drawn cart in the Monte Carlos neighborhood. This incident is part of a troubling series of accidents involving animal-drawn vehicles, which continue to pose dangers due to inadequate regulation on Cuban roads.

On February 15, also in Camagüey, a man in his seventies was left lying on the pavement after being struck by a Suzuki motorcycle while riding a scooter. The accident occurred in front of the National Bus Terminal, and the elderly man was taken to the hospital with a potential traumatic brain injury, causing distress among onlookers and locals.

Another tragic event happened on March 27 in Havana when a truck collided with a sidecar motorcycle in the Arroyo Naranjo municipality. Initially, three injuries were reported, but it was later confirmed that one of the light vehicle's occupants died. This incident sparked a broad discussion on social media about the recklessness of many drivers and the urgent need for greater road safety awareness.