Related videos:
Miguel Díaz-Canel reacted this Monday to the death of Carlos Rafael López Ibarra, the young 33-year-old turbine operator who died after several days of suffering from burns sustained in a workplace accident at the Antonio Maceo Grajales thermoelectric plant, known as “Renté,” in Santiago de Cuba.
"I join the deep sorrow of the authorities and the people of Santiago de Cuba for the passing of Carlos Rafael López Ibarra… Condolences to family, colleagues, and friends," wrote the leader on his X account, where he limited himself to expressing condolences.
The accident occurred on August 31, when a steam pipe failed during the startup of unit 5, resulting in the release of high-temperature steam that severely impacted the worker, causing burns over 89% of his body. After several days hospitalized in extremely critical condition, his death was confirmed on September 8.
The message from Díaz-Canel comes amidst a deep energy crisis characterized by constant collapses of the National Electric System (SEN). Just hours before his return from a tour in Asia, the eastern part of the country experienced a widespread blackout, which, along with the long hours of scheduled outages, ultimately sparked protests in the streets of Santiago de Cuba.
Official condolences have failed to quell social unrest. While the values of the deceased young man are praised, Cubans point out the lack of structural solutions for a crumbling electrical system, where technical failures, improvisations, and precarious working conditions expose workers to deadly risks.
The tragedy of López Ibarra has become a symbol of the human cost of the deterioration of the SEN, which is not resolved with messages of mourning but with deep changes in an infrastructure on the brink of collapse.
Rumors about power outages at the hospital
After the death of López Ibarra was confirmed, began to circulate unconfirmed reports that add further tension to the case.
The independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported that, according to witnesses, at the Juan Bruno Zayas hospital —where the worker was treated— there were two power outages during his stay in intensive care, and that the emergency generator took more than 20 minutes to start.
According to these accounts, the delay may have impacted the operation of life support equipment at a critical moment, potentially hastening the outcome. However, these claims have not been officially corroborated and the cause of death recorded was "severe generalized sepsis due to 89% body burns."
The possible combination of a fatal workplace accident and electrical failures in a hospital fuels the doubts and indignation of family members and colleagues. Although these are unconfirmed rumors, they reflect a growing mistrust toward a healthcare and energy system in crisis, where structural precariousness puts lives at risk.
Filed under: