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An explosion caused a fire this Wednesday in a house located on San Juan de Dios Street, at the corner of Tirry and San Diego, in the city of Matanzas, according to the official outlet Periódico Girón. The incident resulted in significant material damage, though no injuries were reported.
"At this time, several fire squads are battling the blaze," Girón reported in a social media post, where he also noted that the flames did not spread to other homes thanks to the quick action of the emergency teams.
"The incident was caused by the explosion of a power plant," preliminary authorities cited by the media stated, although they clarified that the causes are still being investigated in greater depth.
The vice president of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power, Dailanny Rodríguez Doval, arrived at the scene of the fire and "inquired about the causes of the incident and the damage caused by the magnitude of the flames," reported the local outlet.
Orelvis Martínez, one of the residents of the house, explained that “the equipment caught fire quickly, but none of the family members were injured.” She lamented the loss of belongings and warned that “these damages complicate her situation and that of the other members of the affected household, as they include children with special care needs.”
Residents of the neighborhood came forward to support those affected, as it was a multifamily home inhabited by children and elderly individuals. Some neighbors stated that in the upper floor of the house “the forces of the flames were devastating.”
In February 2025, a fire at the Hershey train station's ranchón in Matanzas was extinguished by firefighters during a blackout. No casualties were reported, but the incident reminded residents of a similar disaster that occurred in 2022, raising suspicions among the neighbors about a possible intentional cause.
Months later, another fire once again ravaged the Ranchón de Hershey in the Versalles neighborhood, also during a power outage. The recurrence of the disaster at the same location raised concerns among the local population, who did not rule out the possibility of it being an arson.
In July, a fire occurred in the municipality of Jovellanos, Matanzas, which affected three homes. Two of the houses were completely destroyed and a third sustained partial damage. Although there were no injuries, the material losses were significant and the incident shocked the community.
That same month, in Guantánamo, firefighters averted a tragedy following a fire caused by an electric motor in the hallway leading to a home. According to official information, a poorly repaired battery may have been the cause of the incident, highlighting the risks associated with the informal use and maintenance of this equipment.
This Wednesday, September 10, following the national electrical blackout that left all of Cuba without service, the synchronization of Energás units in Matanzas occurred as part of efforts to stabilize the electrical system. This event once again highlights the deterioration of the energy infrastructure and its connection to the recurrence of fires and explosions in various provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fire in Matanzas and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What caused the fire on San Juan de Dios Street in Matanzas?
The fire was caused by the explosion of a power generator, authorities reported preliminarily. Although the exact causes are still under investigation, this incident highlights the risks associated with the domestic use of generators in inadequate conditions.
Why are fires related to power plants and generators common in Cuba?
The fires related to power plants and generators are common due to the energy crisis in Cuba, which forces families to seek alternatives to cope with the blackouts. Many times, these solutions are implemented without the proper technical conditions, increasing the risk of accidents such as fires and electrocutions.
What safety measures should be taken to prevent fires in Cuba?
It is crucial to implement safety measures when using generators and motorized equipment. This includes ensuring proper installation, avoiding overloads, and not operating these devices in enclosed spaces without ventilation. Additionally, education on the safe handling of lithium batteries and other alternative energy sources should be promoted.
How has the energy crisis in Cuba affected household security?
The energy crisis in Cuba has increased insecurity in homes, as many families resort to alternative and sometimes unsafe methods to compensate for the lack of electricity. This has led to an increase in incidents of fires and electrical accidents, exacerbating the vulnerability of infrastructures and the well-being of Cuban families.
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