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Yordanis Javier Despaigne, a survivor of a lithium battery explosion that occurred on Saturday in the municipality of Regla, Havana, is in critical condition and urgently needs blood donations of type A or B positive.
The tragedy occurred when the battery of a motorcycle, owned by Despaigne, exploded while it was charging beneath a bed, igniting a fire that claimed the lives of 13-year-old Andy Casanova and his sister, 16-year-old Keyla Casanova, the latter being the girlfriend of the young man who needs the donation, reported journalist Mario Vallejo on his Facebook profile.
According to acquaintances, Keyla may have secretly charged the battery without her mother's knowledge, not anticipating the fatal consequences.
The fire also left other family members injured, while the community of Regla is coming together to offer comfort to a mother devastated by the loss of her two children in an instant.
According to Vallejo, after the accident that claimed the lives of the brothers residing in Regla, the house where it occurred was filled "with close friends trying to console a mother who in the blink of an eye lost two of her children."
The journalist urged his followers to share the information to save the life of the young man, who also resides in Regla and was severely injured after the explosion of the battery.
"Recently, several similar incidents have been reported in Cuba. In most cases, the owners of the motorcycles entrust their batteries to inexperienced individuals for repairs, as buying a new one is, given the prices, practically impossible for an average Cuban," Vallejo emphasized.
However, he emphasized that cases like this are not isolated in Cuba: "Since 2019 to date, over 3,000 fires involving motorcycles or batteries have been recorded."
The increase in fires related to electric scooters in Cuba has raised concerns among both the public and authorities, who attribute these incidents to the improper use of equipment by citizens, although this is also influenced by the limited availability of spare parts.
Negligence in the use of batteries, inadequate 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 Technical Fire Prevention Unit of the Villa Clara Fire Department, in an interview granted and published on Facebook by journalist Henry Omar Pérez.
García detailed that many users ignore the manufacturer’s instructions when charging the batteries of their scooters.
One of the most common and dangerous practices is connecting the batteries to the power supply immediately after use, without allowing a cooling period of at least 30 minutes.
Likewise, it is common for batteries to remain charging throughout the night, exceeding the recommended seven or eight hours, which significantly increases the risk of overheating and, consequently, fires, the firefighter emphasized.
Frequently Asked Questions about Explosions and Fires from Electric Motorcycle Batteries in Cuba
Why have electric motorcycle fires increased in Cuba?
The increase in electric motorcycle fires in Cuba is mainly due to the improper use of batteries and the lack of spare parts. Many owners ignore the manufacturer's instructions, such as allowing a cooling period before charging the battery or avoiding prolonged charges, which raises the risk of overheating and explosions.
What are the consequences of motorcycle battery explosions in Cuba?
The explosions of electric motorcycle batteries in Cuba have had tragic consequences, including the loss of human lives and significant material damage. These incidents have left a trail of death and mourning in numerous Cuban families, as well as raising concerns about personal safety and the loss of property.
What safety measures are recommended to prevent fires from electric motorcycle batteries?
It is recommended to charge batteries in visible locations and away from flammable materials. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions, avoid improper repairs, and not to overcharge the batteries overnight. An extinguisher should also be kept nearby and the condition of the electrical installations should be monitored.
How does the economic situation in Cuba affect the safety of electric motorcycles?
The economic situation in Cuba limits the availability of spare parts and reliable repair services. This leads many owners to make informal repairs, which often involve removing security systems from batteries, increasing the risk of explosions and accidents.
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