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Two motorcycle fires were reported in the last few hours in Havana and Sancti Spíritus, incidents that are becoming increasingly common in the country, where the population relies on these vehicles for transportation due to the collapse of the public transportation system.
A motorcycle caught fire this Sunday near Porvenir and B Street, in the Lawton neighborhood of Havana, reported the user La Tijera through their profile on Facebook.
Witnesses stated that the firefighters never arrived at the scene and that the fire was extinguished by an individual using a fire extinguisher. Fortunately, there were no injuries, although there was property damage, and the cause of the incident remains unknown, the source specified.
For their part, the intervention of the neighbors and the actions of the fire department from Command 6 managed to control a fire on Saturday after a motor caught fire in a home on Calixto García Street, in Fomento, Sancti Spíritus, reported the user Alexander Ríos Cruz on his Facebook account.
The two cases reflect different realities; while in the capital the lack of firefighters forced people to take action, in Fomento the coordination with the emergency services helped prevent greater damage.
Such incidents rekindle public concern over the alarming increase in fires associated with motorcycles and electric tricycles in Cuba in recent years.
On August 22, an electric motorcycle caught fire on Galiano Street, one of the busiest thoroughfares in Havana, in the section between Zanja and San José, opposite the local bank.
One day prior, a motorcycle caught fire in the municipality of Mayarí, in the province of Holguín, and thanks to the swift intervention of the firefighters and local residents, a tragedy was averted.
In July, in Holguín, an electric motorcycle exploded inside a home, which caused a fire that, thanks to the swift action of the firefighters, did not result in any casualties.
In June, a similar incident occurred on 17th Street and J, in Vedado, resulting in a fire on the second floor of a building.
A month earlier, an electric tricycle caught fire inside a home in Las Tunas, causing significant material damage.
In April, in Zaza del Medio, Sancti Spíritus, the explosion of a moped caused a fire that claimed the life of an elderly man who was bedridden.
Testimonials and social media posts reveal that, while in some cases only material damage is reported, in others the outcomes have been tragic, resulting in loss of human lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Motorcycle Fires in Cuba
Why are electric motorcycles catching fire in Cuba?
Electric motorcycles in Cuba are experiencing fires mainly due to technical deficiencies, the use of low-quality parts, and improper handling of their batteries. These factors are further exacerbated by the lack of strict regulations on the quality of the equipment and its components. Additionally, the need for mobility amid the transportation and fuel crisis has led to intensive use of these vehicles, increasing the risk.
What are the firefighters doing to control these fires?
In some cases, firefighters have managed to intervene quickly to control the fires, which has helped prevent greater tragedies. However, in situations where the response is delayed or resources are limited, neighbors have had to take the initiative to extinguish the fire, as happened in Havana. Cooperation between the community and emergency services is crucial to minimizing damage.
What are the consequences of these electric motorcycle fires?
Electric motorcycle fires have resulted in significant material damage and, in more severe cases, have claimed human lives. Battery explosions inside homes have led to property losses and, unfortunately, fatalities, such as that of an elderly man in Zaza del Medio. The situation is also causing increasing concern and alarm among the Cuban population.
What recommendations can be followed to prevent electric motorcycle fires?
To prevent fires, it is advisable to conduct regular maintenance with qualified personnel, avoid overloading batteries, and not handle them improperly. It is important to allow a cooling period before connecting the batteries to the power supply and to avoid charging electric vehicles overnight to reduce the risk of overheating.
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