A serious traffic accident on March 20 in Villa Clara has left two Cuban doctors with severe injuries. Among the injured is Dr. Nelson Alejandro Agramonte Quevedo, a prominent figure in the Cuban Postal Chess Federation, who recently qualified for the preliminaries of the 49th World Correspondence Chess Championship. Nearly two weeks have passed, and the authorities have yet to issue any official statement or offer support to those affected, according to the sports portal Swing Completo, which cited a source close to the victims.
Official Silence Surrounds the Incident
The crash occurred at 8:20 a.m. on the road connecting Sagua La Grande with Quemado de Güines, less than a kilometer from the "9 de Abril" Hospital. Dr. Agramonte, 35, an otolaryngologist, and Dr. Amalia González Viera, 27, a rheumatologist, were traveling in a state vehicle belonging to the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) to perform community work in the municipality of Corralillo when the car overturned. Both suffered serious injuries: Dr. Agramonte sustained a spinal fracture, while Dr. González suffered a pelvic fracture.
A source close to the situation informed Swing Completo that "both are currently bedridden," and that there has been no news coverage of the accident in official media outlets.
International Chess Competitor
Dr. Agramonte is not only known for his medical career but also for his achievements in correspondence chess. He is an active member of the Cuban Postal Chess Federation and frequently competes in online tournaments. His recent qualification for the preliminaries of the 49th World Correspondence Chess Championship highlights his dedication and competitive skill in the sport.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The anonymous source, who decided to break the silence, stated, "I want to expose the corruption involved in this situation." They continued, "There are two injured doctors, and it seems as if nothing happened. This incident needs to be publicized. Why the silence?"
The driver of the vehicle, believed to be Yuri Espinosa, a former agent of the Revolutionary National Police, reportedly remains free, retaining his license without facing any legal proceedings. Furthermore, no official assessment of the vehicle's condition has been conducted, and the injuries have not been formally recorded by Forensic Medicine. Allegations suggest the state vehicle lacked the necessary technical inspection, known in Cuba as "Somatón," and access to the car's trunk was denied after the accident, hinting at potential irregularities or cover-up.
Lack of Institutional Support and Resources
According to the source, neither MINSAP nor other government bodies have provided assistance to the injured doctors. Dr. Nelson requires a Taylor-type orthopedic corset for spinal stabilization, unavailable on the island due to material shortages. Meanwhile, Dr. Amalia remains on anticoagulant treatment with heparin to prevent complications.
The source noted the absence of an ambulance for the initial hospital transfer and the return of the injured doctors to their homes. This oversight highlights a severe neglect by health authorities, despite the victims being active professionals in the Cuban health system who were injured while on duty.
FAQs on the Accident and Its Aftermath
What happened to Dr. Nelson Alejandro Agramonte and Dr. Amalia González Viera?
They were involved in a serious car accident while traveling in a state vehicle, resulting in severe injuries. Dr. Agramonte suffered a spinal fracture, and Dr. González sustained a pelvic fracture.
Has the Cuban government responded to the accident?
As of now, there has been no official response or support from the authorities for the injured doctors, according to sources close to the victims.
Are there any allegations of corruption related to the accident?
Yes, there are allegations of corruption and irregularities, including the lack of a technical inspection for the vehicle and the driver's freedom without legal consequences.