Cuban elderly man dies in a fire in Sancti Spíritus

The accident occurred on the night of this Wednesday in Zaza del Medio.


An elderly man who was bedridden died on the night of this Wednesday in a tragic fire that broke out in a home in Zaza del Medio, in Taguasco, Sancti Spíritus, following the explosion of a motorina.

"Please, everyone who has motorina on the island, do not let your guard down and take precautions," wrote internet user Saúl Manuel while sharing a shocking video that showed the ferocity of the flames.

Facebook Capture/Saúl Manuel

A report in a local Facebook group showed the condition of the property after the unfortunate accident.

In addition to the grandfather's death, which is the most important thing, the family lost everything.

The same source specified that this family has two children, one aged 10 and the other 12.

"They were at home with their mom. The father was at work. The bedridden individual passed away," the publication specified.

Facebook Screenshot

Numerous neighbors and residents in Zaza del Medio mourned the death of the elderly man, identified as Manolo Franco. According to testimonials, the deceased was very beloved in the neighborhood and known for his kindness.

This new case raises alarms about the risks associated with the use of motorinas in Cuba, especially within homes, where electrical conditions and battery overloading can lead to fatal consequences.

In recent years, Cuba has recorded an alarming increase in fires caused by the explosion of electric scooters, many of which occurred inside homes.

These incidents are often related to the use of faulty lithium batteries, inadequate handling, or overcharging during overnight charging, in unstable electrical conditions and without proper safety systems.

The lack of clear regulations and the scarcity of certified spare parts have led users to improvise solutions that, in many cases, end in tragedy.

Unofficial statistics, fueled by reports on social media and independent media, indicate dozens of serious fires across the country, some of which have resulted in fatalities.

Despite repeated calls for heightened precautions, explosions continue to occur frequently, impacting both property owners and neighboring residents.

In a context of energy crisis and public transportation shortages, diesel fuel has become a crucial means of mobility for many Cuban families, exacerbating the dilemma between necessity and risk.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.