A vehicle from the Telecommunications Company S.A. of Cuba (ETECSA) caught fire this Saturday in Havana, with no injuries reported among its occupants or pedestrians in the city center.
The fire, the causes of which are still unknown, occurred near the well-known Cuatro Caminos Unique Market, specifically at the corner of Monte and Matadero Streets.
This was reported by the Facebook profile 'La Tijera', which shared a video showing the immense column of smoke generated by the flames.
"A vehicle belonging to the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA) caught fire in Havana just a few minutes ago. A car from the State Telecommunications Company of Cuba ETECSA ignited this afternoon on Monte Street and Matadero in Cuatro Caminos, near the Único Market. Fortunately, there were only material damages," the post stated.
The vehicle, with license plate B162800 - likely an Italian-made Fiat Panda from the 80s or 90s - was not completely burned due to the intervention of someone who extinguished the flames with a fire extinguisher.
At the time of writing this note, neither the state-controlled media, the authorities, nor the state-owned company allegedly involved in the incident have issued any public statement regarding the dangerous event.
In recent months, vehicle fires in Cuba have become a recurring concern. In early December, a gasoline motorcycle caught fire on a central avenue in Santiago de Cuba, alarming local residents and drivers. The leading hypotheses suggest electrical faults and fuel issues.
Weeks earlier, a car burst into flames at a corner in El Vedado, Havana. The incident was attributed to a possible short circuit or a broken fuel line, although there were no injuries.
Another tragic incident occurred in July when a car overturned and caught fire near the Cotorro bridge, resulting in the death of a young girl and serious injuries to other passengers.
In May, a state vehicle belonging to SEPSA caught fire in the Siboney neighborhood of Havana. The car was completely burned, leading to speculations about the fuel conditions and maintenance of the state vehicle fleet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Fires in Cuba
What happened to the ETECSA car in Havana?
A vehicle belonging to the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) caught fire in Havana, near the Cuatro Caminos Unique Market. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, only material damage. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Why are vehicle fires becoming common in Cuba?
Vehicle fires in Cuba have increased due to potential electrical failures and fuel issues. The use of lithium batteries in electric motorcycles, which can explode and cause fires, is also mentioned. Inadequate maintenance of state-owned vehicles may also be a contributing factor.
What is the importance of having a fire extinguisher in vehicles in Cuba?
Having a fire extinguisher in vehicles is crucial for controlling fires quickly and effectively, thus preventing flames from spreading and causing further damage. Although obtaining a fire extinguisher in Cuba is not always easy, it is an essential safety measure for drivers.
What measures are being taken to prevent vehicle fires in Cuba?
So far, there is no official information regarding specific measures taken by the Cuban government to prevent these incidents. However, vehicle owners are advised to perform regular maintenance and to be vigilant for possible electrical failures or fuel issues.
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