A Cuban national tragically lost his life following a workplace accident at the Montevideo port in Uruguay during the early hours of Saturday. Yasmani Echeverría Ramírez, a 37-year-old from Las Tunas and father to an eight-year-old boy, suffered a fatal accident after his shift ended. He fell onto a rail serving as a perimeter fence in the storage area of the port.
According to the Uruguayan National Navy, the incident occurred around 4:00 a.m. on February 8. Echeverría, an employee of Bomport, opted to take a shortcut with colleagues rather than use the pedestrian path. Tragically, as he made his way to the exit, he fell and struck the perimeter rail near deposit number 20, resulting in his immediate death, as reported by El País.
However, other media outlets, including Telemundo, shared a different account, suggesting Echeverría had crawled under a barrier made from a railway rail, which then collapsed on him, causing his instant demise.
The medical team from the National Port Administration (ANP) confirmed Echeverría's death on-site. The severity of his injuries left little room for medical intervention. In response, the Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation to establish the precise circumstances of the accident. This includes forensic analysis, technical assessments, and witness interviews, along with questioning those responsible for perimeter safety.
As of Saturday, Echeverría's body remained at the judicial morgue, according to the Navy's statement. The inquiry will focus on identifying any potential safety lapses or negligence that may have contributed to the unfortunate incident.
In a statement released on Facebook, the Maritime Port Coordinator PIT CNT union condemned the accident as preventable, attributing it to various failings. They reiterated the narrative that "the worker attempted to pass under a 'bar' which collapsed, constructed from a railway rail, leading to the fatal accident."
The union expressed their sorrow by noting, "Yasmani had an eight-year-old son, a family, dreams, and goals to fulfill, but his life was cut short by work." Cuban influencer Niover Licea reported through social media that Echeverría's family is seeking assistance to repatriate his body to Cuba for a final farewell in Amancio, Las Tunas. Those wishing to financially support the family with repatriation costs are encouraged to contact 786-915-0718 in Miami. Licea highlighted that Uruguayan authorities allow only a 10-day window to claim or relocate the body to its final resting place.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Montevideo Port Accident
What were the circumstances of the accident?
The accident occurred when Yasmani Echeverría Ramírez fell onto a rail serving as a perimeter fence. Different reports suggest he either fell onto the rail or it collapsed on him after he passed underneath.
What actions are being taken to investigate the accident?
The Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation involving forensic analysis, technical assessments, and interviews with witnesses and those responsible for the perimeter safety.
How can people assist the family of the deceased?
Supporters can provide financial assistance for the repatriation of Yasmani Echeverría Ramírez's body by contacting 786-915-0718 in Miami.