SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS – The Dominican Republic’s transportation sector was plunged into mourning following the sudden death of prominent union leader Mario Ureña during a live television broadcast. The founder of the SO public transport route collapsed unexpectedly while participating in an interview on the popular program “El Café de Diario55” on Wednesday.
The tragic incident unfolded as Ureña was actively discussing pressing transportation issues and recent clashes between competing routes in West Santiago. Without warning, the transport advocate suffered a medical emergency on air, prompting immediate intervention from the show’s host and production team. Camera operators and technical staff rushed to provide assistance before the program was abruptly taken off the air.
Preliminary reports indicate cardiac arrest as the likely cause, though medical authorities have yet to issue an official confirmation regarding the exact circumstances surrounding his death. The entire episode was captured on camera and subsequently circulated widely across social media platforms, generating widespread shock and concern among viewers.
Ureña represented a significant figure in Santiago’s urban transport landscape, having established the SO route that recently found itself embroiled in disputes with competing transportation services. Known as a vigorous defender of his drivers’ interests, the union leader had been actively engaged in mediation efforts to reduce tensions within the sector.
His unexpected passing prompted immediate reactions from transportation officials and colleagues, who expressed profound shock while highlighting Ureña’s crucial role in fostering dialogue between competing interests. Members of the SO route gathered spontaneously outside the television station to mourn their leader, while the Diario 55 production team issued statements expressing deep sorrow at having witnessed such a traumatic event during their broadcast.
Local authorities have indicated that formal details regarding the cause of death will be released following completion of medical examinations.