Balcony of building collapses in Old Havana

A new partial collapse was reported on Tuesday afternoon in Old Havana, with no casualties reported, independent media Cubanet informed.

The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Muralla Street, between Compostela and Aguacate, when the balcony of a deteriorated building suddenly collapsed.

Although no one was passing by at that moment, the incident raised alarm among the neighbors, who have been reporting the poor condition of the buildings in that historic area for years.

Minutes after the collapse, a man decided to take down the remaining pieces of the balcony that were still standing, to prevent a tragedy similar to the one that shocked the capital in 2020, when three girls lost their lives when part of a balcony fell in the same area.

This new collapse highlights the structural deterioration of numerous buildings in the municipality of Old Havana, where many old houses, some over a century old, show serious damage without the authorities providing effective solutions.

Residents claim that, despite the constant warnings about the risk of roof, wall, and balcony collapses, rehabilitation efforts are minimal and are prioritized only in tourist areas or foreign investment projects.

"Every time something falls, we think of the girls, but nothing is done here. Until another tragedy occurs, the empty promises will continue," lamented a local resident.

Collapses in Old Havana and other municipalities in the capital have become a recurring phenomenon, exacerbated by the lack of maintenance, the age of the buildings, and the economic crisis facing the country.

So far this year, there have been several partial and total collapses of buildings in various locations throughout the city, resulting in injuries and property damage, although fortunately, there were no fatalities this time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Building Collapses in Cuba