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A firefighting team rescued several residents of a home that caught fire on Thursday night due to the explosion of an electric motorcycle.
The profile of internet user Carlos Pérez, associated with the Cuban government, detailed that the events occurred in a residence located on Beneficencia Street, between 3 and 4 Norte, in the city of Guantánamo, where a person was injured.
An electric motorcycle that was plugged in and charging exploded, spreading flames throughout the building, according to testimonies from neighbors reported by Pérez.
The Fire Department arrived at the scene to assist those trapped inside and managed to rescue them from the back.
One of the residents of the house, identified as Lujerio Soto Lescay, 53 years old, was taken to the General Teaching Hospital due to first and second-degree burns. So far, no further updates have been provided regarding his condition.
"Residents were successfully evacuated from the burning building through the rear of the property, while efforts continue with several water tankers until the fire is fully controlled and extinguished," wrote the user.
Approximately an hour after starting efforts to extinguish the fire, the firefighters declared it out, although they reported that they were still working on cooling down the "hot spot."
In the Facebook posts where the incident was reported, images were shared that showcase the chaos and fear experienced by the neighbors. In one of the images, several visibly shaken individuals are seen embracing another person, while dozens of police officers and firefighters are present at the scene.
"Oh yes, what a scare, but thank God it wasn’t worse, and I’m praying a lot for my neighbor to recover soon," said a Cuban woman.
This month, several fires have made headlines in the Cuban independent press. In Havana, in the neighborhood of Lawton, municipality of Diez de Octubre, a fire that occurred in an apartment of a multi-family building left one person seriously injured and caused significant material damage. The owner of the home, a pastry chef by profession, was admitted to intensive care.
In Santa Clara, another incident left one person injured and resulted in the total destruction of two homes.
The fire broke out in a house in the Caracatey Popular Council, and although the causes are still under investigation, the combined forces of the Fire Department and the Ministry of the Interior managed to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby homes.
A short circuit was the cause of another small-scale fire that occurred in a bakery in the municipality of Fomento, in Sancti Spíritus, and was quickly extinguished by the firefighters.
While the bread was being made, a fire broke out at the bakery El tigre de oro, located in the Norte Popular Council.
The fire was extinguished in "a few minutes" by the local fire department, witnesses of the incident told the newspaper. Apparently, no one was injured.
Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Motorcycle Fires in Cuba
What caused the fire in Guantánamo?
The fire in Guantánamo was caused by the explosion of an electric motorcycle that was plugged in. The flames quickly spread throughout the home, causing significant damage, and one person was injured with first and second-degree burns.
Why are electric motorcycles dangerous in Cuba?
Electric motorcycles in Cuba pose a danger due to their lithium batteries, which can explode if not handled properly. Explosions can lead to rapid and difficult-to-control fires, especially if the batteries are overcharged or if their electrical systems are modified.
How does the response of firefighters affect these incidents?
The response of firefighters in Cuba has been criticized for its slowness. In several instances, firefighters arrive when the fire has already completely consumed the motorcycle, leaving owners with material losses. This highlights the need for a faster and more effective response from the authorities.
What measures can owners take to prevent electric motorcycle fires?
To prevent fires, owners should charge motorcycles in visible locations and avoid leaving them connected unattended. It is crucial to regularly check the condition of the batteries and the electrical system, and avoid charging motorcycles in areas with flammable materials.
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