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Alexey Díaz Salas, the worker who was seriously injured in the explosion that occurred on December 24 in one of the tanks at the Sancti Spíritus asphalt plant, passed away recently, according to a report shared on social media by the journalist from Radio Sancti Spíritus, Yosdany Morejón.
Díaz Salas, 48 years old, fought for his life for several days after suffering burns on 60 percent of his body.
The aforementioned official source, which did not provide further details about the circumstances of the death, specified that the accident victim passed away last Saturday, that is, on January 4th.
There is no record that Cubadebate or the newspaper Granma have reported on the death of the injured worker, which confirms how Cuban official media often overlook news or updates on uncomfortable topics.
Alexey Díaz Salas, the only injured party in the Sancti Spíritus accident, was injured in the incident while performing candle operations.
The tank in question stored rc-0 liquid, a necessary component for asphalt production that must be kept at high temperatures for its application on roads.
The explosion left stunning images of the charred facility.
According to reports from the official newspaper Granma, the swift response of the emergency teams was timely and continued into Wednesday morning, when efforts began to mitigate the damage in the affected area.
In addition to the deceased worker, the material damages were estimated at around 23,000 pesos in national currency, although the industrial plant facilities were not affected, which allowed the technological process to continue uninterrupted, as previously stated by Jesús Pérez Sánchez, director of the business unit (UEB) belonging to the Construction and Assembly Company.
The Cuban regime later reported that it was an accident and that there was no intention or sabotage involved.
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 also clarified that the low level of liquid in the tank contributed to the concentration of flammable gases.
"The tank, designed to store up to 40,000 liters, contained only 5,000 liters at the time of the accident. This created a large empty capacity where gasoline vapors, which are heavier than air, accumulated, creating an environment conducive to an explosion when coming into contact with an ignition source," Ávalos explained.
This source was identified as a lighter carried by the worker who has now passed away, and who was near the tank at the time of the explosion.
Frequently asked questions about the explosion at the asphalt plant in Sancti Spíritus
What caused the explosion at the asphalt plant in Sancti Spíritus?
The explosion was triggered by the interaction between accumulated volatile gases and an ignition source. A lit lighter used by worker Alexey Díaz Salas was identified as the ignition source. The low liquid level in the tank allowed flammable gases to accumulate, creating a conducive environment for the explosion.
Who was the victim of the explosion and what was their condition?
The victim of the explosion was Alexey Díaz Salas, a 48-year-old worker, who was severely injured and passed away days later. He suffered burns on 60% of his body and fought for his life from the accident until his death on January 4th.
How have Cuban official media responded regarding this incident?
Cuban official media, such as Cubadebate and the newspaper Granma, have not reported on the death of Alexey Díaz Salas. This reflects a trend among official media to avoid news or updates on uncomfortable issues, which is a recurring criticism of the Cuban regime for its lack of transparency.
What safety measures are being taken at the asphalt plant after the accident?
Authorities have emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols in facilities of this type to prevent future accidents. The asphalt plant is under technical evaluation to prevent similar incidents, although no specific measures implemented so far have been disclosed.
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