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The lifeless body of Roberto Álvarez Castillo, 60 years old, was found among the rubble of the collapse of a house in the neighborhood of Santo Suárez, in Havana.
The body was found after midnight by rescue teams among the rubble of the three-story multifamily building with high braces located on San Bernardino Street, reported the local state-run newspaper Tribuna de La Habana.
His family members present at the scene received all necessary care from health specialists and local authorities, the information specifies.
With the discovery of this body, the search has been halted.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Omar Herrera, deputy chief of police in Havana, following the work of the canine unit, the firefighters, and the statements from two other individuals who were with the deceased at the time of the collapse and managed to evade harm, the presence of any additional people at the scene was ruled out.
Now the debris will be removed and the remaining part of the building will be demolished
The news of the collapse was first reported by the Facebook page La Tijera, which specified that the building was located at the intersection of San Bernardino, Serrano, and Durege in the municipality of 10 de Octubre.
The central part of the building collapsed almost entirely, the user stated.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents, who point to the visible deterioration of the neighboring buildings. "They fear this won’t be the last collapse in the area," the report states.
The incident is not isolated in the area. On the same block, a similar collapse was reported on February 16, also without an effective response from the authorities.
"How many more lives must be in danger for the regime to act? This kind of tragedy is no longer news... it's routine," questioned the author of the post.
In this way, the death toll rises to 4 following the two collapses that occurred between Friday and Saturday in the Cuban capital.
On Friday, three people lost their lives after the collapse of a multi-family building that occurred at Monte 722, between Rastro and Carmen, in the capital municipality of Habana Vieja.
Frequently Asked Questions about Collapses in Havana
How many people have died recently due to collapses in Havana?
In recent days, four people have died as a result of two collapses in Havana. Three people lost their lives in the collapse of a building in Old Havana, and one more person died in the collapse of a building in Santo Suárez.
Why are building collapses so frequent in Havana?
Collapses in Havana are frequent due to the severe deterioration of the housing stock, lack of maintenance, scarcity of materials, and government neglect. Furthermore, many buildings are over a century old and show severe structural damage.
What measures have the Cuban authorities taken in response to the collapses in Havana?
The Cuban authorities have not taken effective measures to resolve the housing crisis. State investment has focused on tourism projects, leaving homes in a critical state. No dignified housing solutions have been offered, nor has a coherent plan been implemented to prevent future collapses.
What is the current status of the housing stock in Cuba?
The state of housing in Cuba is alarming. According to official data, 35% of the homes are in poor condition. However, independent reports suggest that the deterioration is even more severe, with only 30% of the homes in good condition. This reflects a housing crisis that threatens the safety of citizens.
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