Videos and photographs shared on social media depict scenes of confusion and chaos as hundreds of people attempted to leave Hall B of the Pabexpo exhibition center, where a small fire broke out on Saturday morning.
Following an electrical incident that led to a mass evacuation of attendees participating in various cultural and commercial activities, more details about what happened began to circulate.
The account at X Café con Chícharos shared a snippet of a video showing smoke within the premises caused by a fire, with the flames visible in the clip.
It is also observed how people were taken by surprise by the incident and tried to extinguish the fire with fire extinguishers. Other attendees looked for places to take refuge.
According to preliminary reports, the incident began with an apparent short circuit in the electrical system, which caused a complete power outage and a small smoke outbreak in one of the main areas of the facility.
Although no serious injuries were reported, moments of panic were observed, which are typical of such events and are exacerbated by a lack of information and trained personnel to coordinate the evacuation of attendees.
Despite the incident, the organizers of the XXVI International Crafts Fair (Fiart) have reported that activities have resumed at the venue.
In a statement, they noted: "We are pleased to inform you that we have resumed our activities at the Pabexpo Exhibition Center. The cultural program scheduled for Saturday and Sunday remains unchanged. The public has access to Halls A, C, and D. We look forward to seeing you during the final days of our fair."
Frequently Asked Questions About the Electrical Incident at Pabexpo and the Energy Situation in Cuba
What caused the chaos at the Pabexpo Fairgrounds?
The chaos at the Pabexpo Exhibition Center was caused by an electrical failure that resulted in a small fire in Hall B, prompting a large-scale evacuation of attendees at the International Crafts Fair (Fiart).
Were there any injuries in the Pabexpo incident?
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported following the electrical incident at Pabexpo, although there were moments of panic due to a lack of information and trained personnel to coordinate the evacuation.
When will activities resume at Pabexpo?
Activities at Pabexpo have resumed following the incident, as reported by the organizers of the XXVI International Crafts Fair (Fiart), allowing the public access to Halls A, C, and D.
What are the common causes of electrical failures in Cuba?
Common causes of electrical failures in Cuba include the poor condition of infrastructure and adverse weather conditions. These issues have been evident in recent incidents across various parts of the country, impacting both the population and key services.
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