The cause of the explosion at the asphalt plant in Sancti Spíritus that left one person seriously injured has been revealed

The explosion at the asphalt plant in Sancti Spíritus was accidental, caused by volatile gases and a burner. One worker is in serious condition.

Fábrica de asfalto © Facebook
Asphalt plantPhoto © Facebook

Related videos:

The Cuban regime reported on Thursday that the explosion that occurred on December 24 in one of the storage tanks at the asphalt plant in Sancti Spíritus was the result of an accident, without any intention or sabotage involved.

A multidisciplinary team from the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) detailed that the incident occurred in a tank containing RC liquid — a mixture of asphalt and gasoline — as cited by the portal Cubadebate.

The accident was caused by the interaction between the accumulated volatile gases and an ignition source, confirmed Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Ávalos Jorge, head of the Fire Department of Sancti Spíritus.

He clarified that the low liquid level in the tank favored the concentration of flammable gases.

"The tank, designed to hold up to 40,000 liters, contained only 5,000 liters at the time of the accident. This created a significant empty space where gasoline vapors, which are heavier than air, accumulated, creating an environment conducive to an explosion when they came into contact with an ignition source," Ávalos explained.

This source was identified as a lighter carried by a worker at the plant, who was near the tank at the time of the explosion and is now in critical condition.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Félix Pérez Ríos, head of the Unit for Tackling Failures, Explosions, and Fires at Minint, the lighter left behind glowing remnants that interacted with the volatile gases.

"The expert report determined that the wick should have been extinguished before approaching the tank. Although there was no transfer of substances, the soot generated the spark that triggered the accident," he specified.

The technical-criminal analysis ruled out any evidence of sabotage and confirmed that the tank met its design and function specifications.

The authorities reiterated that the explosion was an accidental event and emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols in facilities of this type, the report states.

The asphalt plant in Sancti Spíritus is still under technical evaluation to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In the incident, a worker identified as Alexey Díaz Salas, 48 years old, was injured and is currently in critical condition after suffering severe burns. The explosion occurred while he was performing candlestick operations at the time of the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions about the explosion at the asphalt plant in Sancti Spíritus

What was the cause of the explosion at the asphalt plant in Sancti Spíritus?

The explosion at the asphalt plant in Sancti Spíritus was caused by the interaction between accumulated volatile gases and an ignition source. A lighter ignited by a worker was identified as the ignition source. The low liquid level in the tank allowed for the buildup of flammable gases, creating a conducive environment for the explosion.

Who was injured in the explosion, and what is their current condition?

The worker injured in the explosion is Alexey Díaz Salas, 48 years old, who is in critical condition. Alexey Díaz Salas sustained severe burns over 50% of his body and a head trauma. He is receiving treatment at the Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial General Hospital.

What measures are being taken to prevent future incidents at the asphalt plant?

The asphalt plant in Sancti Spíritus is currently undergoing technical evaluation to prevent similar incidents in the future. Authorities have emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols in facilities of this type to avoid accidents.

What responsibility does the Cuban regime have in this type of industrial accident?

The Cuban regime has been criticized for its ineffectiveness in improving workplace safety and preventing industrial accidents. Despite several serious incidents, the solutions provided have been inadequate, highlighting an urgent need to implement more stringent protective measures for workers on the island.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial

A team of journalists dedicated to reporting on current events in Cuba and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.

Redacción de CiberCuba

CiberCuba Newsroom

A team of journalists dedicated to reporting on current events in Cuba and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.