A large procession of motorcycles escorted the funeral of Nelson Pérez, a 23-year-old who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident in the Segundo Frente municipality of Santiago de Cuba. This collective gesture served as both a tribute and a poignant expression of a community deeply shaken by his untimely death.
According to the report by Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, Pérez died instantly when hit by a tourist service vehicle that lost control on a treacherous slope in Segundo Frente, precisely as he was attempting to merge onto the main road from the Loma Blanca area.
Pérez had halted his motorcycle to join the road when the collision occurred.
The impact was direct and "left no room for maneuver," detailed independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on his profile, citing local sources to piece together the tragic events.
Reports indicate that the vehicle involved was occupied by two men and a woman who allegedly fled the scene because they were transporting "unauthorized goods," a practice linked to the black market that residents say is common in this rural area.
Nelson Pérez was a familiar figure in the community, remembered for his reserved nature and his dedication to repairing motorcycle parts, as well as his deep connection with the motorcycle world.
His sudden death, occurring as he attempted to enter the roadway with no chance to react, sparked a wave of outrage and sorrow among family, friends, and neighbors. In response, they organized a motorcycle caravan to accompany the funeral procession to his final resting place.
Local residents noted that the same stretch of road has seen numerous accidents, attributed to the dangerous slopes, road conditions, and vehicles often carrying goods outside the formal market, as occurred in this tragedy.
The flight of the car's occupants only intensified feelings of helplessness and demands for justice within the municipality.
As Nelson Pérez’s family says goodbye, surrounded by the roar of motorcycles and the support of their community, the accident highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures, actions against informal cargo transport, and initiatives to mitigate risks in areas identified by locals as hazardous points on Santiago de Cuba's road network.
Key Questions on Road Safety and Informal Transport in Cuba
What caused the accident involving Nelson Pérez?
The accident was caused by a tourist service vehicle losing control on a dangerous slope, hitting Nelson Pérez as he attempted to merge onto the main road.
Why did the vehicle's occupants flee the scene?
The occupants allegedly fled because they were transporting "unauthorized goods," a practice linked to the black market.
How did the community honor Nelson Pérez?
The community organized a motorcycle caravan to accompany the funeral procession, paying tribute to Pérez and expressing their collective grief.