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José Daniel Batista Mendoza, an 11-year-old boy with Down syndrome and motor disability, who sustained injuries in a fire in the Lajitas Adentro community, in the municipality of Jobabo, was released from the hospital this Thursday after showing positive progress.
According to information from the official newspaper Periódico 26, the minor suffered superficial second-degree burns on approximately 13.5 percent of his body and was admitted to the Mártires de Las Tunas pediatric hospital, where he received specialized medical care.
The fire occurred in the home that José Daniel shared with his mother, Yurima Mendoza, who also emerged unharmed. The house, built with lightweight materials, was completely destroyed, along with all the family's belongings. A neighbor rescued the child, and neighbors provided immediate assistance.
According to what was mentioned by the licensed nurse Olivia Fraite Cabrera, in charge of the burn unit at the hospital facility, one of the biggest challenges was treating the minor.
She told the media that, at times, it took up to five people to clean the wounds, as he, like any child, would not cooperate. Despite his short stature and weight, he has great strength.
According to the state media, officials from the Communist Party and the government visited the site of the tragedy.
In recent months, Cuba has experienced several home fires that have raised concerns among the population.
On February 17, a medium-sized fire destroyed four homes in the municipality of Placetas, in the province of Villa Clara. While no human casualties were reported, two houses were completely destroyed and the other two sustained partial damages. So far, authorities have not specified the causes of the incident.
At the end of January, a father and his son suffered minor burns during a large-scale fire in the Las Cañas popular council in Artemisa. The fire, which destroyed two homes, started while the owner was performing mechanical work in the yard of his house.
In Havana, specifically in the municipality of Regla, a large fire affected at least three homes. The incident has generated considerable concern in the community, although official reports did not provide details on the causes or the full extent of the damages.
On the other hand, in Santiago de Cuba, a family of four lost all their belongings when their wooden home was completely destroyed by a fire. According to authorities, the blaze was started by an ember from a wood-burning stove that, carried by the wind, reached the wall of the house.
These incidents highlight the importance of reinforcing security measures in Cuban homes to prevent future disasters. The precariousness of many houses, combined with factors such as inadequate electrical connections and the use of wood-burning stoves, increases the risk of fires, endangering numerous families across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the fire in Las Tunas and the situation of fires in Cuba
How was the child with Down syndrome injured in the fire in Las Tunas?
José Daniel Batista Mendoza, an 11-year-old boy with Down syndrome and motor disability, suffered superficial second-degree burns on approximately 13.5% of his body due to a fire in his home in the Lajitas Adentro community, in the municipality of Jobabo. Fortunately, he was rescued by a neighbor and received specialized medical care at the Mártires de Las Tunas pediatric hospital.
What were the consequences of the fire for the boy's family in Las Tunas?
The family's home was completely destroyed along with all their belongings. The child's mother, Yurima Mendoza, was unharmed. The community and local authorities mobilized to support the affected family.
What actions have Cuban authorities taken in response to the recent fires in the country?
In response to the recent fires, local authorities have promised material and financial assistance to the affected families. However, the frequency of these incidents has raised concerns among the population due to the precariousness of many homes and the lack of adequate safety measures.
What is the situation regarding the wildfires in Cuba and their common causes?
In Cuba, house fires are a recurring problem, often caused by inadequate electrical connections, the use of wood stoves, and other risk factors. The precariousness of the buildings increases the vulnerability of families, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen safety measures in homes.
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