Images circulating on social media reveal the extent of the explosion that occurred this Tuesday in a weapons materials warehouse in the town of Melones, Holguín; simultaneously, unofficial sources claim that there are reportedly fatalities and injuries.
The incident, caused by a fire while aging ammunition was being sorted, has raised concerns in the region.
Edmundo Dantés Junior posted a photograph on Facebook that shows a large explosion in the distance.
"This is one of the photos that impressed me the most among those I saw of the explosions near the Melones Community, in the Rafael Freire municipality of Holguín," he emphasized.
In the comments section, Rayner González stated: "A neighbor of my grandmother who lives in Freyre has passed away; he was 18 years old. There are many more missing. In Freyre, they are calling on the community to make blood donations. There are dead children who were entering military service."
In a previous post, the influencer emphasized that “even now explosions are heard in Rafael Freyre, Holguín,” and shared other images that also reveal the extent of the disaster.
On its part, the news portal CubaNet shared photographs of the explosion and the presence of military personnel on the streets on its Facebook profile.
"Images of the explosions at the military facility that stores war materials in the locality of Melones, Rafael Freyre municipality, Holguín province. We request information from our audience regarding the incident and the condition of the young military recruits," the media specified.
Although no official media has provided updates on the explosion or on possible fatalities or missing persons, in the comments section a young woman identified as Dayannis Valdés stated, "Don't stop the search, my cousin Jorge Félix is one of the missing."
The Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba has not issued any new statements; however, on their Facebook profile, a person confirmed that there are fatalities, including officers.
In its latest update, the MINFAR reported that, as part of the measures adopted by the Provincial Defense Council of Holguín and a commission from the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the situation resulting from the fire that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, January 7, at a military materials facility in the community of Melones, municipality of Rafael Freyre, is being analyzed.
According to the statement, 361 people living nearby have been protected, while actions continue to assess the condition of the personnel who faced the incident, as well as the damage to property.
Additionally, it was noted that surveillance in the area continues, with the involvement of key authorities from the Party, the Government, the Armed Forces, the Ministry of the Interior, and Civil Defense, who maintain regular communication with the population and have assured that they will provide timely updates on the progress of the actions.
On the other hand, more than 1,200 people were evacuated this Tuesday in the town of Melones, Rafael Freyre municipality, Holguín, following the explosions that occurred in a military materials warehouse owned by the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.
The first secretary of the PCC in Holguín, Joel Queipo Ruiz, reported via Facebook that, as part of the measures adopted by the Provincial Defense Council and a commission from the Ministry of the FAR, 494 individuals living near the area affected by the fire that occurred in the early hours of this Tuesday at a facility containing military materials in the community of Melones, municipality of Rafael Freyre, have been evacuated.
As explained, actions are ongoing to assess the condition of the personnel who initially faced the incident, as well as the damage to the property.
In addition, he assured that surveillance in the area remains active with the participation of the main authorities of the Party, the Government, the Armed Forces, the Ministry of the Interior, and the top leadership of Civil Defense.
"A systematic exchange with the population is maintained, and our people will be informed in a timely manner about the course of actions," he added in his post.
In the comments section, a person identified as Jorge Montero Góngora justified the silence of official sources, arguing that "they will surely provide the relevant information in due time."
According to the statement, access to the incident site is still not possible until there is certainty that no further detonations will occur, as acting hastily could lead to "worse outcomes."
Montero insisted that the information provided by official channels is related to the reality of the incident and condemned the "vile speculations" that, in his opinion, only seek to generate greater despair among those affected and their families.
"There will always be people who, without the slightest sense of decency and sensitivity towards others, toy with people's feelings," he added, advising internet users not to be swayed by unfounded rumors and comments, although it is evident that there are wounded individuals, as family members have stated on social media, and which the regime insists on concealing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Explosion at the Military Warehouse in Holguín
What caused the explosion at the military warehouse in Holguín?
The explosion at the military warehouse in Holguín was triggered by a fire that occurred while outdated munitions were being sorted. The incident led to a series of explosions at the military facility, located in the town of Melones, in the municipality of Rafael Freyre.
How many people were evacuated due to the explosions?
As a preventive measure, 1,245 people were evacuated from the communities near the La Púa Popular Council in Gibara to ensure their safety, although authorities assured that the event does not pose a danger to the community.
Is there any information about fatalities or injuries following the explosion?
Although the authorities have not officially confirmed the existence of fatalities or injuries, unofficial sources and comments on social media suggest that there may be victims. The situation is still being assessed by the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba.
What security measures are being taken following the incident?
The Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces, together with the Defense Council of the Holguín province, has established a commission to investigate the causes of the fire and ensure the surveillance and protection of the affected area. The assessment of personnel and damage to property is ongoing.
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