Residents of the Holguin town of Melones experienced moments of panic and distress on Tuesday when they began hearing the explosions from a fire that occurred in an Army munitions depot, an incident that left 13 people missing.
Videos shared on social media show the fear and dismay of the residents as they heard the explosions, with no one knowing the cause. People rushed out of their homes, running and calling out to each other.
"Calm down, woman, calm down!" a man said to his wife as she walked several meters ahead on the road. "Oh, I can't," she replied, her voice filled with sorrow.
Other images show the thick column of smoke and the strong orange flame
"Oh my God! Let's all go, let's get out of here!" shouted a frightened woman.
The publications reveal the scale of the explosion recorded at the munitions storage facility. The incident was caused by a fire while outdated ammunition was being sorted.
Hours after the incident, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) had yet to draw any conclusions regarding potential human casualties. A brief note hinted that there could be victims and revealed that 361 individuals living near the site had been evacuated.
It was later confirmed that there are 13 missing persons: four officers and nine soldiers, whom many already consider dead.
Although when announcing the incident the agency stated that there was no danger to the community, it later reported the evacuation of 1,245 residents near the La Púa popular council, in Gibara, as a precautionary measure to ensure their safety.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Explosions in Holguín and the Cuban Government's Response
What caused the explosions at the military warehouse in Holguín?
The explosions at the military warehouse in Holguín were caused by a fire while aging munitions were being sorted. This type of material is particularly sensitive and can be dangerous if not handled properly.
How many people were affected by the explosions in Holguín?
Following the explosions in Holguín, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) reported that 13 people are missing. Among the missing are military personnel and soldiers on duty.
How has the Cuban government reacted to the explosions in Holguín?
The Cuban government's response has been criticized for being delayed and inadequate. Miguel Díaz-Canel commented on the incident several hours later, prompting outrage on social media for prioritizing other international issues over this local tragedy.
What measures have been taken to protect the population of Holguín?
As a precautionary measure, authorities evacuated more than 1,200 people from the affected area in Holguín. Additionally, an investigation is underway to determine the causes of the fire and prevent future tragedies.
Why is there concern among residents of Holguín following the explosions?
The concern among residents of Holguín stems from the history of similar incidents in Cuba, where explosions at military facilities have been recurrent. The lack of transparency and government secrecy heighten the fear and distrust within the population.
Filed under:
