A gasoline motorcycle brand Jawa caught fire near the 18-story buildings on Garzón Avenue in Santiago de Cuba.
A video shared on social media by journalist Yosmany Mayeta showed how the vehicle was engulfed in flames in front of dozens of onlookers and drivers until the fire was extinguished with a fire extinguisher, which is quite fortunate, as it can often be difficult to find one in such situations.
In the comments section, several internet users noted the unusual increase in reports of gasoline motorcycles catching fire in the streets of Santiago de Cuba and proposed various hypotheses regarding possible causes.
"How strange all of that is! Just one or two weeks ago, another motorcycle caught fire near that spot, just a block away. And they're not electric motorcycles. Definitely, the electricians are inflating the installations," commented an internet user.
"Bad electrical work or because they are adding another product to the gasoline," wrote a second commenter, although someone countered that "Gasoline doesn't cause that. If the gasoline is bad, it affects the fueling, not the engine's electricity."
Another one speculated that it could be due to using 12V lithium batteries, noting that this happened with the previous motorcycle that caught fire.
It was noted that the main issue is that in Cuba, there is a desire for everything to be eternal, which is clearly not the case.
"There is a lifespan for every piece of equipment. Cubans are accustomed to not making necessary repairs when they should be done, and even less so to limit their use when they are past their prime," someone stated.
Just over two weeks ago, another motorcycle caught fire on Avenida Garzón in the city of Santiago de Cuba. In this case as well, with the help of neighbors and other drivers, they managed to extinguish it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Fires in Cuba
Why are so many motorcycles catching fire in Santiago de Cuba?
Some suggest that it may be due to poorly managed electrical problems or gasoline tampering. Others believe that the use of 12V lithium batteries could be the determining factor.
What role do lithium batteries play in motorcycle fires?
Lithium batteries are known for their potential to ignite if not handled properly. Explosions of lithium batteries are hard to manage and can lead to rapid and destructive fires.
What implications does it have for motorcycle owners in Cuba?
For motorcycle owners in Cuba, these fires pose a significant threat to personal safety as well as the loss of property. The lack of access to fire extinguishers and the difficulty in obtaining spare parts further complicate the situation.
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