A tragic fire that occurred in the early hours of this Sunday has shocked the residents of San Antonio Street, in the heart of the historic center of Santiago de Cuba.
The young Donald Yordan Sánchez, a resident of the area, lost his life in a fire after attempting to save his mother and wife from the flames that engulfed their home during a blackout.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported the incident through his account on Facebook, where he shared details of the tragedy, which occurred between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. in an area that is usually affected by prolonged power outages.
According to the testimony of the neighbors, the young man was handling gasoline between two containers when, due to the power outage, he kept a candle lit nearby.
A spark or a spilled drop was enough for the fire to spread quickly and engulf the home.
In a desperate act, Sánchez managed to help his mother and wife escape, although the former suffered visible burns on her face and other parts of her body.
He, however, could not escape and took refuge in the bathroom, but he died from asphyxiation and severe burns, Mayeta mentioned in his post.
"A good young man was lost," lamented a neighbor who requested anonymity. "It was an act of love that killed him."
The communicator emphasized that experts from the Ministry of the Interior and law enforcement were conducting investigations on-site.
The tragedy that occurred in Santiago de Cuba has not been an isolated case. Similar situations have affected other Cuban families, such as that of an elderly man who lost his life in a fire near the Cuatro Caminos market in Havana.
On that occasion, the fire completely destroyed their home, and neighbors indicated that a lit candle during a power outage may have been the cause of the incident.
Similarly, another unfortunate incident was reported in Sancti Spíritus, where an 82-year-old man died in a fire while he was sleeping.
The house was without electricity, and an exposed flame may have caused the fatal fire. These cases highlight how prolonged blackouts and the use of alternative lighting methods continue to claim lives throughout the country.
Recently, a child sparked a large-scale fire in the center of the island while playing with a box of matches and a solar lamp. The incident, which took place in a multi-family dwelling, spread quickly and caused significant material damage, according to official reports.
Authorities within the home, rekindling concerns about domestic conditions during prolonged power outages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fires in Santiago de Cuba
What happened in the fire where a young man died in Santiago de Cuba?
A young man named Donald Yordan Sánchez died burned in an attempt to save his mother and his wife during a fire in their home in Santiago de Cuba. The fire started due to a spark that ignited the flames while he was handling gasoline near a lit candle, amidst a blackout. Although he managed to help his mother and wife escape, he could not save himself.
What factors contribute to the frequency of fires in Santiago de Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba, marked by frequent blackouts and a lack of gas, forces many people to use dangerous methods for cooking or lighting their homes, such as using candles or charcoal braziers indoors. These methods increase the risk of house fires, as seen in several recent incidents in Santiago de Cuba.
How has the lack of adequate infrastructure affected the response to fires?
The lack of adequate infrastructure in Cuba not only hinders the firefighters' quick response to fires but also complicates the lives of those who have lost their homes. The Santiago community has shown solidarity, but the institutional response is limited, exacerbated by the scarcity of resources and the lack of effective preventive measures.
What are the recommendations for preventing fires in Cuba?
To prevent fires, it is advisable to avoid using candles and charcoal burners inside homes, especially near flammable materials. It is crucial to keep electrical systems in good condition and not to overload electrical installations. Additionally, special care should be taken with lithium batteries in electric motorcycles, as improper handling can trigger fires.
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