A powerful explosion that occurred on Saturday evening shook the residents of Güira de Melena, in the province of Artemisa, after a local electrical substation blew up around 7:00 PM, causing a large-scale fire and a total blackout in the area.
According to the report from Radio Artemisa, the fire occurred in a transformer (which burned) located at the 4,000 substation in Güira de Melena, affecting approximately 4,600 customers.
Karel León, the first secretary of the Municipal Bureau of the Party, confirmed that there are no damages to human life or to homes.
"The trained team investigates the causes and the entire municipality of Güira de Melena is without service, except for Fábrica de Carretas and Gabriel," the note details.
Leaders from the Party, the Government, officials from MININT, the Fire Department, and the Red Cross attended the location.
The information indicates that the fire was extinguished in a short period, and that alongside the investigation into the causes of the fire, efforts began to restore the unaffected circuits.
For the moment, the municipal authorities have called for initiating support for the affected population from early hours, including food preparation by the Commerce units, as well as the sale of charcoal and gasoline for power generators.
The profile of Facebook La Tijera shared several photos and a video taken at the scene while the fire was still active.
"At this time, authorities are investigating whether the incident was due to an overload in the power lines or if it was an intentional act," the post clarifies.
The incident, which adds to the long list of events related to Cuba's precarious energy infrastructure, plunged the entire area into darkness, affecting both homes and small businesses.
Neighbors express that the interruption of the electricity service further disrupts their daily routine, which is already marked by the constant blackouts plaguing the Island.
The event takes place amidst an unprecedented energy crisis, where prolonged power outages are part of everyday life, and any failure in the grid can unleash chaos in entire communities.
Images shared on social media show columns of smoke and flames rising over the substation, as onlookers and neighbors watched the scene with concern.
So far, no human casualties have been reported, but the material damage to the facility is considered severe.
Frequently Asked Questions about the explosion at the Güira de Melena electrical substation
What caused the explosion at the electrical substation in Güira de Melena?
A possible overload in the electrical lines is one of the preliminary hypotheses regarding the cause of the explosion, although the authorities are investigating and have not ruled out other potential causes. This type of issue is common in Cuba due to the country's precarious energy infrastructure.
What were the consequences of the explosion in Güira de Melena?
The explosion caused a massive fire and left the entire area without electricity, affecting both homes and small businesses. Although no human casualties were reported, the material damages to the facility are considered severe.
How does the current energy crisis affect incidents with electrical substations in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is marked by prolonged power outages and a deteriorating infrastructure. Any failure in the grid can unleash chaos in entire communities, as evidenced by the explosion in Güira de Melena. The lack of proper maintenance and resources exacerbates the frequency of these incidents.
What other recent emergencies have occurred in Güira de Melena?
Recently, a fire near a maternity home in Güira de Melena forced the evacuation of patients and staff, causing panic among the neighbors. The community has faced several incidents, highlighting the fragility of the infrastructure and the lack of resources to respond to emergencies effectively.
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