A street party in the Los Cangrejitos neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba descended into chaos when a vicious altercation left two siblings seriously injured. They were attacked by a gang armed with machetes and knives. This alarming incident was reported on Tuesday by journalist Yosmany Mayeta via Facebook, where he detailed how the celebration, known locally in Santiago as "pum pum," spiraled into brutal violence involving bladed weapons.
Witness accounts reveal that the conflict began when Javier Alejandro Acosta, also known as Fuchiro, clashed with Cristofer Bermúdez Diéguez. The situation intensified when Fuchiro's partner intervened, prompting Karla María Bermúdez, Cristofer's sister, to join the fray, as highlighted by Mayeta.
What started as a minor altercation evolved into a group assault as Fuchiro's friends from the El Tivolí neighborhood joined in, launching a knife attack on the Bermúdez siblings. "Karla was slashed on the arm, and her brother was cut on the head, nearly severing an ear. The violence continued even as the gang followed them to the Military Hospital, preventing their entry," a source mentioned to the journalist.
Due to the severity of her wounds, underage Karla María was taken to the Hospital Infantil Sur La Colonia Española, where she received treatment for tendon injuries and 37 stitches. Her brother, Cristofer Bermúdez, was treated at the Hospital Provincial Saturnino Lora and discharged with 17 stitches in his head.
As of now, it is unclear whether Fuchiro and the attackers have been arrested or remain at large, according to Mayeta. Witnesses allege that Fuchiro has a history of involvement in violent incidents, including a fatality, yet has evaded legal consequences possibly due to alleged familial ties with military personnel in Santiago de Cuba.
This event adds to mounting concerns about the escalating violence at street parties in the city, where conflicts often escalate to dangerous levels without prompt intervention from authorities. In June, a similar violent clash occurred during a nighttime street party in Santiago de Cuba, resulting in multiple injuries amidst the chaos.
Independent journalist Mayeta shared photos of the incident on Facebook with a caption: "Violence persists in the city streets, with two young individuals reportedly in critical condition, transported to the Joaquín Castillo Duany Military Hospital."
Back in February, a video circulating on social media depicted a group of young men arriving at a residence, with three of them issuing violent threats to someone inside. "Look at what is happening in Cuba," wrote Eliécer Ávila on Instagram, sharing the footage.
Understanding the Growing Violence in Santiago de Cuba
What caused the violent outbreak at the street party in Los Cangrejitos?
The violence erupted following a confrontation between Javier Alejandro Acosta, known as Fuchiro, and Cristofer Bermúdez Diéguez, which escalated after interventions from their respective partners and friends.
How were the Bermúdez siblings injured?
Karla María was injured in the arm, requiring 37 stitches, while Cristofer suffered a head wound that needed 17 stitches.
Have the attackers been apprehended?
There has been no confirmation on the arrest of Fuchiro and his accomplices, and they may still be at large.
What is the broader impact of such incidents in Santiago de Cuba?
These incidents contribute to a growing unease over the rising violence at street celebrations in the city, often escalating without timely intervention from authorities.