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The only survivor of the explosion of an electric motorcycle inside a home in Regla, Havana, passed away this Saturday after several days fighting for his life in the hospital.
The journalist Mario Vallejo confirmed on Facebook that Yordanis Javier Despaigne, 19 years old, passed away today due to the severe burns he suffered.
The tragic incident occurred last Saturday when 16-year-old Keyla Casanova hid her boyfriend's motorcycle battery under the bed to charge it.
With her was her brother Andy Casanova, 13 years old, and Yordanis himself, who was seriously injured.
The explosion sparked a fire that claimed the lives of the two brothers instantly, while Yordanis was taken to the hospital with severe burns and injuries.
According to sources close to the family, the young Keyla had secretly charged the battery without her mother's knowledge, not foreseeing the fatal consequences that improper handling of the battery could entail.
Incidents of this kind have become more common in recent years in Cuba, where the use of electric motorcycles has increased, along with the dangers associated with the improper handling of batteries.
Despite medical efforts, Yordanis Despaigne did not survive his injuries and passed away late, after fighting for several days for his life and with dozens of Cubans mobilizing to secure blood donations to help save him.
The mother of the brothers, devastated by the tragedy, has received support from family and neighbors. The residents of Regla have come together around the family to offer them comfort.
The incident in Regla is not an isolated case. Since 2019, Cuba has experienced an alarming increase in fires related to electric motorcycles and their batteries, with over 3,000 such incidents reported, along with several associated fatalities, according to official sources.
The poor handling of lithium batteries, the lack of spare parts, and inadequate repairs have been identified as the main causes behind these accidents.
Jorge García Arbelo, lieutenant colonel and head of the Technical Fire Prevention Unit of the Villa Clara Fire Department, explained that many users are unaware of the manufacturers' recommendations when charging batteries.
Some of the most dangerous practices include connecting the batteries immediately after use without allowing them to cool down, or leaving them charging overnight, exceeding the recommended eight hours.
These practices increase the risk of overheating, which can lead to an explosion and a fire, similar to the one that occurred in Regla.
The authorities have issued a series of recommendations to prevent further accidents, including:
- Allow the batteries to cool to room temperature before charging them.
- Avoid modifications to motorcycles that alter the parameters established by the manufacturer.
- Do not use homemade or artisanal batteries or uncertified adaptations.
- Do not charge batteries in enclosed spaces without proper supervision.
- Do not leave motorcycles near combustible materials such as wooden furniture or curtains.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Motorcycle Explosions in Cuba
Why are lithium batteries dangerous in electric motorcycles in Cuba?
Lithium batteries are dangerous due to their tendency to overheat and explode if not handled properly. In Cuba, the lack of spare parts and inadequate repairs increase the risk of accidents, such as the one that occurred in Regla, where a battery exploded underneath a bed, causing a deadly fire.
What are the recommendations to prevent explosions of electric motorcycle batteries?
To prevent explosions, it is recommended to allow batteries to cool down before charging them, not to charge them in enclosed spaces without supervision, to use only certified batteries, and to avoid modifying or repairing them without technical knowledge. Additionally, they should not be charged for more than eight hours or near combustible materials.
What has caused the increase in incidents with electric motorcycles in Cuba?
The increase in incidents is primarily due to poor battery handling, lack of spare parts, and unprofessional repairs. Since 2019, more than 3,000 incidents involving electric motorcycles have been recorded, many of which have fatal consequences.
How has the explosion in Regla affected the local community?
The explosion in Regla has left the community devastated, with the loss of two brothers and the mobilization of neighbors to support the affected mother. Such tragedies highlight the need for greater awareness and caution in the use of electric motorcycles.
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