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Two siblings, 13-year-old Andy Casanova and 16-year-old Keyla Casanova, lost their lives last Saturday in the municipality of Regla, Havana, due to the explosion of a motorcycle battery that sparked a fire while they were sleeping in their home.
The possible cause of the incident was that one of the victims, Keyla, placed the battery to charge under the bed where she slept with her younger brother, according to sources close to the family, reported Irma Broek on her Facebook profile.
According to the activist, the battery belonged to Keyla's boyfriend, who is currently in critical condition due to the injuries sustained in the incident.
According to the same sources, the young woman, secretly from her mother, reportedly decided to charge the battery in her room, which triggered the tragic accident.
The fire also left other family members injured.
According to the Facebook user “La Tijera,” the incident that claimed the lives of the brothers occurred on the morning of this Saturday in the municipality of Regla, Havana.
The increase in fires related to electric motorcycles in Cuba has raised concerns among both the public and the authorities, who attribute these incidents to the misuse of the equipment by citizens, although this is also influenced by the limited availability of spare parts.
Negligence in the use of batteries, improper repairs, and a lack of attention to safety standards are among the main causes of these incidents, as explained by Lieutenant Colonel Jorge García Arbelo, head of the Fire Prevention Technical Unit of the Villa Clara Fire Department, in an interview published on Facebook by journalist Henry Omar Pérez.
García explained that many users ignore the manufacturer's instructions when charging the batteries of their electric motorcycles.
One of the most common and dangerous practices is connecting batteries to the power supply immediately after use, without allowing a cooling period of at least 30 minutes.
Furthermore, it is common for batteries to remain charging throughout the night, exceeding the recommended 7 or 8 hours, which significantly increases the risk of overheating and, consequently, fires, the firefighter emphasized.
The specialist also highlighted that the use of long or damaged electrical extensions, prolonged exposure of batteries to sunlight, and contact with water are additional factors that contribute to this type of accidents.
Informal repairs in unauthorized workshops pose another serious risk, as they often remove the safety systems from batteries, leaving them vulnerable to catastrophic failures; in contrast, the Cuban regime has not established the necessary infrastructure for people to access more reliable services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Motorcycle Battery Explosions in Cuba
What was the likely cause of the battery explosion in Havana?
The likely cause of the explosion was the improper handling of the motorcycle battery, which was placed to charge under a bed without following the proper safety measures. This action triggered the fire that resulted in the tragic loss of two brothers in the municipality of Regla.
What other factors contribute to electric motorcycle fires in Cuba?
In addition to the improper use of batteries, the lack of spare parts and inadequate repairs in unauthorized workshops are factors that increase the risk of explosions. These practices disable the safety systems of the batteries, leaving them vulnerable. Weather conditions and the use of faulty electrical extensions also play a role.
What recommendations have been given to prevent fires from electric motorcycle batteries?
It is important to charge batteries in well-ventilated areas away from flammable materials. They should not be plugged in immediately after use; instead, a cooling period of at least 30 minutes should be allowed. Additionally, it is crucial not to exceed 7 to 8 hours of charging and to avoid using long or damaged electrical extensions.
How has the Cuban government reacted to the increase in electric motorcycle fires?
The Cuban regime has not established an adequate infrastructure to provide reliable maintenance and repair services, which has left citizens without safe options. Authorities have intensified calls for prevention, but the lack of resources and effective measures remains a significant problem.
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