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The family of the lineman from the Electric Company of Havana, Osmani Hernández Madroza, who was severely injured while working on a fault in San Miguel del Padrón, is seeking community support to obtain medication and medical supplies.
The worker's ex-partner, Gretel Aparicio, recounted on social media that Hernández, 35 years old and the father of her child, suffered severe burns on his hands after narrowly escaping death while repairing a malfunction.
Through a post on Facebook, he emphasized that despite official promises, they are compelled to ask for solidarity to cover basic needs, reported on the social network the user La Tijera.
"We need bandages and medication to treat his burns. Your son and his family need him healthy," Aparicio requested while explaining the situation they are facing.
The National Electric Union initially stated that it was supporting the family and was attentive to all their needs, but in practice, the recovery of the worker seems to depend more on citizen collaboration than on the institutions.
Aparicio also shared a bank card for donations (9205 9598 7986 1533) and provided a contact number (56072438) for those who can contribute with medications or financial support for hospital expenses.
He also demanded that the causes of the accident be clarified and warned that "when the true reasons are known, if someone is to blame, I hope the full weight of the law falls upon their shoulders and that justice does not turn a blind eye."
His message concludes by thanking the Cubans who, even amid hardship, keep solidarity alive.
According to the Electric Company of Havana, the worker came into contact with a broken conductor and received an electric shock that caused burns on both arms. Despite the impact, Hernández did not lose consciousness and was urgently taken to Miguel Enríquez hospital, where he remains under medical care.
The accident raised concern and outrage among the local residents, who reported on social media the delay of the firefighters and the lack of an immediate response from the company.
According to testimonies gathered by the Facebook profile La Tijera, it was the residents themselves who, in the absence of assistance, brought the lineman down from the pole and took him in a private vehicle to the medical center.
Additionally, it was reported that the employee had requested to take leave multiple times over the last three months, but the company denied it, citing "lack of staff."
This refusal forced him to remain in a high-risk position, without adequate safety conditions, as reported by those close to him.
Just over a year ago, another young worker from the same company died electrocuted while working on a pole in Punta Brava, La Lisa, in an incident that was also criticized for the delay of the emergency response teams.
Cuba is experiencing a severe shortage of medications. In July, the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, acknowledged before the National Assembly of People’s Power that the Cuban healthcare system is undergoing a structural crisis, with coverage of only 30% of the essential medicines list.
Portal Miranda acknowledged that hospitals face "chronic deficits in medical supplies, organizational failures, an exodus of professionals, and illegal sale of services," as well as an alarming increase in maternal and infant mortality.
Even in the midst of this situation, people and groups of compassionate individuals often respond with a strong wave of solidarity to those who make requests for help on social media, offering donations of clothing, food, medicine, and hygiene products to deliver assistance directly to families in need.
Frequently asked questions about the lineman accident in San Miguel del Padrón
What happened to the lineman Osmani Hernández in San Miguel del Padrón?
Osmani Hernández Madroza, a 35-year-old lineman from the Electric Company of Havana, suffered an accident when he was electrocuted while working on a malfunction in San Miguel del Padrón. The accident caused severe burns on both arms and he was urgently transferred to Miguel Enríquez Hospital.
Why is the lineman's family asking for help?
Osmani Hernández's family is requesting citizen assistance to obtain necessary medications and medical supplies for his recovery.
What has been the response of the Electric Company to the accident?
The Electric Company of Havana has assured that it is supporting the worker's family and has initiated an investigation into the causes of the accident. However, neighbors and family members have reported a lack of immediate and adequate response to the emergency, which has led to concern and outrage in the community.
Why couldn't the worker leave his post despite the risks?
Osmani Hernández had requested his job resignation multiple times over the last three months due to the high-risk conditions of his work. The company denied his request, citing a lack of staff, forcing him to continue in a position without adequate safety conditions.
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