A house caught fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning in the Los Cangrejitos neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba after a scooter exploded.
The journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared a video on Facebook showing intense flames coming from both levels of the affected house, as well as a fire truck that was leaking water while trying to extinguish the fire.
At the end of the recording, it is evident how the fire practically consumed all the belongings that were inside the house.
Local residents reacted immediately and managed to rescue the people inside the affected home. Witnesses of the incident stated that there were no casualties, thanks to the swift intervention of the residents.
"Thanks to the neighbors, we all came out fine; many blessings to them," expressed an affected individual in the comments section of the post.
Another neighbor identified as Madelaine Rodríguez Hechavarría stated: "Thank God there were no human casualties and thanks to the neighbors who are always united and help each other. Blessings to all the neighbors of Los Cangrejitos."
Residents emphasized the importance of maintaining solidarity and community unity in the face of emergencies like this one, especially amid the economic and energy crisis the country is experiencing, where many households rely on electric generators.
In recent months, fires caused by electric motorcycles in Cuba have alarmingly increased, raising concerns among the population and authorities. According to a recent article, a Cuban firefighter warned about the rising number of fires associated with these vehicles, emphasizing that lithium batteries pose a significant risk if not handled properly.
One of the most serious incidents occurred on January 5 in Santa Clara, where a scooter caused a fire in a shared garage, affecting several vehicles and resulting in significant material losses. Despite the firefighters' quick response, the flames spread rapidly, highlighting the lack of adequate safety measures in these storage areas.
Months earlier, in August 2024, another gasoline explosion caused a fire inside a home in Santiago de Cuba. The incident, which occurred in the Santa Bárbara neighborhood, destroyed part of the house and put its residents at risk. Neighbors attempted to control the fire before the firefighters arrived, demonstrating the increasing community concern regarding these dangers.
Another concerning incident occurred in July 2024 in Santiago de Cuba, when a garage with over 50 scooters caught fire. Four of these vehicles were completely burned, and only the intervention of a neighbor with a fire extinguisher prevented further damage.
These incidents highlight the urgent need to regulate the storage and maintenance of electric scooters in Cuba, as well as to strengthen education on the safe use of lithium batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Diesel Fuel Explosion Fire in Santiago de Cuba
What caused the fire in the house in Santiago de Cuba?
The fire was caused by the explosion of a motorcycle in the residence, which generated intense flames that practically consumed all the belongings inside the house.
Were there any victims in the fire in Santiago de Cuba?
Fortunately, there were no human casualties in the fire thanks to the swift action of the neighbors, who managed to rescue the individuals trapped in the affected home.
How did the community react to the fire?
The community of Los Cangrejitos showed great solidarity and unity. The neighbors reacted immediately to help those affected, highlighting the importance of staying united in the face of emergencies, especially amidst the economic and energy crisis the country is experiencing.
Why are motorcycle fires common in Cuba?
Fires involving scooters are common due to issues with lithium batteries, which can explode if not handled properly. Furthermore, the energy crisis leads many to rely on scooters, increasing the risk of incidents.
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