Photos shared on social media show the severe structural damage of the building located at the busy corner of San Rafael and Galiano in Central Havana, where the upper roof collapsed on Thursday, bringing down the first-floor roof as well, ultimately crashing onto the ground floor.
Profiles like that of Yusnaby Perez and Raymer Brown on Facebook showcased videos and images of the incident, which alarmed dozens of people who witnessed the rescue of those trapped and the recovery of a deceased individual.
The partial collapse claimed the life of a worker from Café Boulevard and left several people trapped.
The upper floor, used as a boarding house, was suffering from serious structural issues exacerbated by the heavy rains of recent days, which added moisture to an already weakened century-old structure.
Neighbors report that the building had been declared uninhabitable for years, but only its facade was superficially enhanced, while the housing crisis deepens and resources are concentrated in hotels instead of homes for the population.
Frequently asked questions about the collapse in Central Havana
Where did the collapse occur in Centro Habana?
The collapse occurred at the corner of San Rafael and Galiano, in Central Havana, severely affecting a building whose structure was already weakened.
How many people were affected by the collapse?
The collapse in Centro Habana claimed the life of a worker from Café Boulevard and trapped several people, according to reports from witnesses and local media.
What were the causes of the collapse in Centro Habana?
The building had serious structural problems worsened by the heavy rains, which led to the collapse of its century-old structure.
Why weren’t preventive measures taken to avoid the collapse?
Despite the fact that the property had been declared uninhabitable for years, only the facade was cosmetically improved, without addressing the structural issues that led to the collapse.
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