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 busy central area of the capital.
The fire, the cause of which remains unknown, occurred near the well-known Mercado Único de Cuatro Caminos, specifically at the corner of Calle Monte and Matadero.
This was reported by the Facebook profile 'La Tijera', which shared a video showing the immense column of smoke caused by the flames.
A vehicle belonging to the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) caught fire in La Habana just a few minutes ago. The state-owned telecom vehicle ignited this afternoon at the intersection of Monte and Matadero streets in Cuatro Caminos, near the Único Market. Fortunately, there were only material damages, according to their post.
The vehicle, with license plate B162800 - possibly a Fiat Panda manufactured in Italy from the 80s or 90s - was not completely burned out thanks to the intervention of a person who extinguished the flames with a fire extinguisher.
At the time of writing this note, neither the state-run media, the authorities, nor the state-owned company allegedly involved in the incident have issued any public statement regarding the dangerous situation.
In recent months, vehicle fires in Cuba have become a recurring concern. In early December, a gasoline motorcycle caught fire on a busy avenue in Santiago de Cuba, causing alarm among residents and drivers. The theories suggest electrical failures and issues with the fuel.
Weeks earlier, a car caught fire 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 reported.
Another tragic incident occurred in July when a car overturned and caught fire near the Cotorro bridge, resulting in the death of a girl and serious injuries to other passengers.
In May, a state vehicle from SEPSA caught fire in the Siboney neighborhood of Havana. The car was completely burned, sparking speculation about the condition of the fuel and the maintenance of the state-owned vehicle fleet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Fires in Cuba
What happened to the ETECSA car in Havana?
A vehicle belonging to the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA) caught fire in Havana, near the Cuatro Caminos Market. Fortunately, there were no injuries; only material damage was reported. The causes of the fire are 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 is also mentioned, as they can explode and cause fires. Additionally, the lack of proper maintenance for state-owned vehicles could 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, thereby 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 conduct regular maintenance and remain vigilant for potential electrical failures or fuel issues.
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