The heartbreaking testimony of the mother of a girl who died from a gas cylinder explosion in Cuba

Suelen Chacón, mother of the six-year-old girl who died after a gas cylinder exploded in their home in Havana, bid farewell to her daughter in a heart-wrenching testimony, emphasizing that no mother should ever have to go through such a difficult moment. She lamented having let her little girl down and had promised her that everything would be alright.

"A mother can have 20 children, but if she is missing just one, it feels as if the world is collapsing, as if nothing matters to you, as if a great part of you has been taken away. The breath is gone," wrote Chacón in a message made public by the activist Yankiel Fernández, who recently brought attention to this tragic case.

“It’s difficult to go through or live in this situation. I thought I would get through it, but that’s not how it turned out. Just thinking that they were only 6 years old and they’re gone… It’s painful. A whole life ahead, full of challenges, goals to achieve, and objectives to reach,” lamented Chacón.

The heartbroken mother says she remembers that after the accident, her daughter kept repeating that she wanted to get better.

"I remember that when the accident happened, he kept shouting, 'Mom, I'm going to be alright.' He repeated it constantly; he didn't want to leave this world, he wanted to keep fighting, driving me crazy. I promised him that he would be fine: 'Mom promises you.' Mom failed. Grandma, forgive me," he clarified.

Suelen Chacón emphasized that she is trying "to be made of iron" so as not to break, and that she wishes someone would pinch her and ask why she cries in her sleep.

"It comforts me to know that the kingdom of heaven belongs to children and that she is in a better place. I will miss you so much, my little frog, so much. Years will go by, and always, but always, you will be in my heart," he noted.

"No mother should have to go through such a sinister moment. I would rather have my life taken away in one go than live through this moment," she added, while expressing her gratitude to all the people who have cared for and helped her since the tragedy.

"I have one more battle to fight, and I will fight this one with faith," he specified in reference to his other son, who is nine years old and remains in critical condition as a result of the same accident.

Little Elinzzanith Paneque was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital, where she and her nine-year-old brother, Helinzzon, were taken following the tragic incident that occurred last week.

Both were reported in critical condition, with a risk to their lives, but unfortunately, the girl did not survive the severity of her injuries.

In the case of Helinzzon, he continues to fight for his life, as reported on Facebook this Monday by activist Yankiel Fernández, who is the leader of the solidarity project "Aliento de Vida."

After the incident, "Aliento de Vida" led a humanitarian aid campaign to collect essential items in order to contribute to the recovery of the children and assist the family in facing the difficult circumstances following the accident.

"Aliento de Vida" requested disposable diapers, burn creams, wet wipes, juices, yogurt, gelatin, and any other resources that people could donate. The campaign continues to support the recovery of the surviving child.

The accounts for collaborating with the Ministry Aliento de Vida are: 9224 9598 7881 8648 (in CUP) and 9225 9598 7553 4866 (MLC), and the number to confirm is: 58 04 77 06.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Gas Cylinder Tragedy in Cuba