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New images of the collapse that occurred in the center of Cárdenas show the severity of the incident, which left one man injured and affected the upper facade of a building located on Princesa Street, between De Céspedes and Ayllón, right next to the historic Hotel La Dominica, designated a National Monument.
According to information confirmed by the authorities, one person was injured after part of the second level of the building collapsed on Wednesday afternoon.
The photographs posted on Facebook by internet user Yaylin Mesa Vazquez show staff working at the site to collect debris, as well as the extent of deterioration of the structure of the building that remains standing.
The injured person, who was inside the building at the time of the incident, was taken to the local hospital with an ankle injury, while two other occupants managed to escape in time.
The journalist Alexei McIntosh, who reported from the site and shared images on his Facebook profile, stated that local residents attribute the collapse to years of structural neglect.
The building would have lost most of its wooden beams, windows, grills, and elements of the intermediate roof, leaving its structure severely weakened.
“The facade has lost its upper part due to the constant theft of materials. It is a completely abandoned building,” wrote McIntosh.
After the collapse, Community forces, the Electric Company, and the Fire Department arrived in the area to clear the public space and assess the condition of the building.
The municipal mayor, Frank Padrón Domínguez, confirmed that construction specialists will assess the structural risk and issue a report to determine the next steps.
The collapse also severely damaged the electrical system in the area, destroying a high-tension pole and other secondary lines, which has caused disruptions to the service in nearby areas.
For the moment, the Hotel La Dominica has not suffered any damage, although authorities remain on site due to the possibility of further issues.
This new collapse adds to a series of recent incidents in the city. Last June, a portion of the upper cross of the San Antonio de Padua church fell onto the roof of the temple during a mass celebrating its centenary, injuring two worshippers.
The lack of maintenance and institutional neglect of the heritage buildings in Cárdenas has raised growing alarm among residents, who report the absence of structural solutions and a lack of oversight against the systematic looting of these dilapidated properties.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Collapse in Cárdenas and Its Context
What caused the collapse in Cárdenas?
The collapse in Cárdenas was attributed to the structural pillaging of the building, which had lost most of its wooden beams, windows, grills, and elements of the intermediate roof. This looting left the structure severely weakened, causing the partial collapse of the property.
Were there any injuries in the Cárdenas collapse?
Yes, one person was injured in the collapse in Cárdenas. The injured individual was taken to the local hospital with an ankle injury, while two other occupants managed to escape in time without injuries.
What actions have the authorities taken after the collapse in Cárdenas?
After the collapse, the Comunales forces, the Electric Company, and the Fire Department went to the area to clean the public space and assess the condition of the building. Additionally, construction specialists will analyze the structural risk to provide a report on the next steps to take.
What is the status of Hotel La Dominica after the collapse in Cárdenas?
The Hotel La Dominica did not suffer any damage despite being located next to the collapsed building. However, authorities remain on-site due to the possibility of further incidents.
Why are collapses frequent in Cárdenas and other cities in Cuba?
The collapses in Cárdenas and other Cuban cities are largely due to the lack of maintenance and the institutional neglect of heritage buildings. Furthermore, the looting of materials and government inattention exacerbate the problem, putting the safety of the structures and their inhabitants at risk.
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