The partial collapse that occurred on Thursday at a building located at the corner of San Rafael and Galiano in Centro Habana claimed the life of an employee from Café Boulevard, as confirmed by the portal 14yMedio from the scene.
The media reported that the collapse of part of the roof trapped several people from the cafeteria located on the ground floor of the collapsed building. One of them could not be rescued alive by the firefighters.
The upper floor of the building serves as a lodging and has serious structural problems, which on Thursday caused part of the roof to collapse onto the local workers.
Witnesses stated to the mentioned independent outlet that the victim was "a young man just over 30 years old who was a security guard" or "a construction worker" who was performing repair work.
Fire brigades, ambulances, and rescue teams were dispatched to the area, one of the busiest in the capital.
Images on social media highlighted the magnitude of the event.
Residents reported that the issues of leaks and humidity are longstanding and that the property has been declared uninhabitable for years, despite the facade of the café being superficially painted and maintained.
The intense rains in recent days have accelerated the collapse of several buildings in Havana: on Monday, five-month-old Neimar Francisco Valdés Pérez died in Cerro after a wall of his home collapsed and it flooded during a downpour; and on Tuesday, two individuals from the same municipality were hospitalized following a partial collapse of their house.
Frequently asked questions about collapses in Havana and the housing crisis
What happened in the building collapse in Centro Habana?
The partial collapse of a building in Centro Habana claimed the life of a worker from Café Boulevard, while several people were trapped. The collapse was caused by structural issues in the property, exacerbated by the recent heavy rains.
What are the main causes of collapses in Havana?
The lack of maintenance and the structural deterioration of buildings are the main causes of collapses in Havana. These issues are further exacerbated by heavy rains, which increase the risk of collapses in already weakened structures.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to prevent these collapses?
So far, a comprehensive maintenance and prevention plan has not been implemented by the Cuban government to address the housing crisis. Residents' complaints about the condition of the buildings have not been effectively addressed, leading to the repetition of these incidents.
How does the housing crisis affect the residents of Havana?
The housing crisis has left many families living in high-risk conditions, with deteriorating homes at risk of collapse. Despite the complaints and the evident decline, residents have not received adequate solutions, putting their lives at risk.
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