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Three years after the fire that claimed 17 lives, Matanzas commemorated on August 5 the victims of the explosion at the Supertanker Base. However, the tribute does not erase the indignation or the unanswered questions regarding the State's responsibilities in one of the most serious tragedies of recent Cuba.
The official event, held in the plaza established as a monument in the Industrial Zone, gathered family members, friends, and authorities. There was a roll call, white roses, moments of silence, flags, and even a photographic exhibition titled “Memories of Fire”, as reported by the state media Girón.
But there was also contained pain, tears that continue to await justice and institutional presence from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the very structure that allowed young recruits of the Mandatory Military Service to be sent to hell without sufficient preparation.
Among them was Leo Alejandro Doval Pérez de Prado, just 19 years old, with only 15 days of training as a firefighter. He died on the second day of the fire, along with other young men who had not even completed their training.
The question from your grandmother resonates strongly three years later: “Who is going to take responsibility for bringing those children there?”
Tribute to their own
In the Matanzas Cemetery, floral tributes were laid in the names of Miguel Díaz-Canel, Raúl Castro, and other figures of power. On social media, the state media shared images of the event. However, what is not mentioned in the speeches is that it was the very institutions that today organize the tributes that placed inexperienced soldiers on the front lines, without sufficient equipment, and without minimal safety guarantees.
Girón Newspaper.
The MININT, the Civil Defense, the Armed Forces, the Communist Party, all were involved in the operation. None have been held accountable.
While the mourning continues, the Ministry of Energy and Mines announced that the reconstruction of the four tanks destroyed by the flames is progressing.
Work is underway on the paving of new roads, mechanical interconnections, and safety systems. Completion is expected in 2026.
It is assured that the tanks will now be equipped with floating membranes, geodesic domes, and a new lightning rod system that dissipates electric charge.
A country that neither forgets... nor forgives
The fire, caused by a lightning strike that hit a tank containing 40,000 gallons of fuel, spread for six days. Firefighters, fuel truck drivers, and civilian workers lost their lives. Most of the bodies were unrecognizable due to the intensity of the flames. Hundreds were hospitalized, and an entire community was displaced.
The government's response was slow and opaque. The extinguishing of the fire was celebrated as a heroic act, but the conditions that made it possible—obsolete infrastructure, lack of protocols, improvisation, and negligence in decision-making—were never discussed publicly.
This anniversary brings to the forefront the contrast between the official narrative and the tragedy experienced by Cuban families. Monuments are erected, but responsibilities have not been acknowledged. Solemn ceremonies are repeated, but the voices of those demanding answers go unheard.
In the heart of Matanzas, as the cameras focused on the stage, a woman wiped away her tears with a handkerchief, while holding the portrait of her loved one. Behind her, a group of uniformed officers from the same force that failed to protect their boys.
The tribute this year was not only a homage to the fallen. It was also a reminder that institutional silence is another form of violence.
Frequently Asked Questions about the tribute to the victims of the explosion at the Supertankers Base in Matanzas
What was the reason for the tribute in Matanzas?
The tribute in Matanzas was held to commemorate the 17 victims of the explosion at the Supertanker Base that occurred three years ago. This official event brought together family members, friends, and authorities at the square erected as a monument in the Industrial Zone, where honors were paid with a roll call, white roses, and a photographic exhibition titled “Memories of Fire.”
What criticisms have been made regarding the management of the fire at the Supertanker Base?
The management of the fire has been widely criticized for the negligence and lack of preparedness of the Cuban state. There are questions about the responsibility of sending young recruits from the Mandatory Military Service without the proper training to face a disaster of such magnitude, which resulted in the loss of young and inexperienced lives. Furthermore, the criticisms focus on the lack of transparency and accountability from the institutions involved.
How is the reconstruction of the Supertankers Base in Matanzas progressing?
The reconstruction of the Supertanker Base is underway, although it faces logistical and financial challenges. Four new tanks are being built with the collaboration of Cuban and Chinese forces. The project includes safety improvements, such as floating membranes and lightning protection systems, but clear deadlines for completion have not been established.
What are the current conditions in Matanzas following the fire at the Supertankers Base?
Matanzas faces severe living conditions with prolonged blackouts, a shortage of drinking water, and collapsed services. The population struggles daily to access basic resources, and misinformation and control over the media exacerbate the situation. These conditions reflect the energy and infrastructure crisis affecting the province.
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