An elderly woman, 78 years old, was injured and transported to a hospital on Friday following the partial collapse of the building of the Higher Institute of Design (ISDI) in Havana.
The official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso stated on his Facebook page that the woman was injured by the debris.
No other victims have been reported, he stated.
He added that, however, four families were left without access to their homes due to the structural damage to the building.
"Construction companies are working on-site to remove approximately 800 cubic meters of debris," he detailed.
The building, located in Centro Habana, had been declared at risk of collapse four months ago in the area that caved in, Alonso said.
According to close sources, since then, the progressive demolition work has been carried out by the construction company GECAL.
This afternoon, the side of the building collapsed completely, as seen in the videos posted on Facebook.
The authorities of the regime confirmed that the affected area had previously been identified as vulnerable due to serious structural failures.
The interior façade of the building had also been shored up since 2022 and was closed off after a partial collapse that occurred in July 2024, although the rest of the structure remained habitable.
ISDI had been closed in March 2022 due to a "complicated architectural failure" that jeopardized the safety of students and staff.
The temporary relocation of the faculties to other facilities of the University of Havana had been the measure adopted to continue with classes.
Regarding the collapse this Friday, the authorities have not yet issued an official statement, although it has been confirmed that construction companies are working on-site to remove approximately 800 cubic meters of debris.
The building, constructed in 1860 and remodeled several times throughout its history, has housed the Institute since 1984, when it adopted its current name.
The structure, which has had multiple uses, represented an important heritage for the city.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Collapse at the Higher Institute of Design in Havana
What happened at the building of the Higher Institute of Design in Havana?
The building of the Higher Institute of Design (ISDI) in Havana experienced a partial collapse, resulting in the hospitalization of a 78-year-old woman and leaving four families without access to their homes. The structure had already been declared in a state of collapse for months.
What is the current status of the ISDI building after the collapse?
Currently, construction companies are working on-site to remove approximately 800 cubic meters of debris. The affected area had previously been identified as vulnerable due to serious structural failures.
What measures had been taken before the collapse at ISDI?
The interior facade of the building had been braced and closed since 2022 following a previous partial collapse. Additionally, the Institute had been closed in March 2022 due to a "complicated architectural failure." The faculties were moved to other facilities of the University of Havana.
What is the general situation of the infrastructure in Havana?
The situation of the infrastructure in Havana is critical, with numerous historical buildings and housing in a state of disrepair. Collapses are frequent, highlighting the lack of investment and maintenance by the government, which poses a constant risk to the safety of citizens.
What actions should be taken to prevent future collapses in Cuba?
To prevent future collapses, urgent investments in the infrastructure of historic buildings and housing in Cuba are necessary. Furthermore, implementing a maintenance and structural renewal program would be crucial to ensure safety and preserve the architectural heritage of the island.
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