The Electric Company of Havana assured this Monday that the lineman Osmani Hernández Padroza, 35 years old, “has everything he needs” for his recovery after the work accident he suffered last Friday while addressing a malfunction in San Miguel del Padrón.
"Osmani is in excellent spirits. He shares with us his desire to see his son again and expresses endless gratitude for having everything he needs," the company posted on its social media after visiting him at Miguel Enríquez Hospital.
The state entity stated that the worker greeted them with a smile and "an admirable strength," and emphasized that "he has the support of an institution that looks out for his well-being." They also expressed gratitude to the Cuban healthcare system, the medical team, his coworkers, and the company management who have been there for him from the very beginning. "It is up to us to continue supporting him, as we have since the first minute," the statement concluded.
The official statement comes after the former partner of the lineman, Gretel Aparicio, reported on social media that the family was forced to seek citizen support to obtain bandages and medications. Aparicio explained that, despite institutional promises, it was necessary to turn to popular solidarity to meet the patient's basic needs.
"They shared their desire to see their son again and offered endless thanks for having everything they need," they affirmed.
In an interview published by the page La Tijera, Osmani Hernández himself sent a message of hope from the hospital: “I have willpower… and I am aware of what is going to happen. So don't worry, Mom, be calm. I know I will at least lose my arms, but I will keep my life.”
Additionally, the lineman expressed gratitude for the support from friends and colleagues, and his immediate circle clarified that the family has not requested official financial assistance, and that any initiative was undertaken independently by his ex-partner, without prior consultation.
On September 12th, Osmani Hernández suffered an electric shock while working on Pepe Prieto street in San Miguel del Padrón. According to witnesses, the lineman was left hanging from the pole, convulsing and vomiting. In the absence of firefighters and emergency personnel, it was neighbors who helped him down from the pole and transported him in a private car to Miguel Enríquez Hospital.
The following day, the Electric Company provided details about the worker's condition, confirming that he had come into contact with a broken conductor, which caused burns on both arms, though he did not lose consciousness. They also stated that he was receiving specialized medical attention.
The situation generated public outrage, as it was also reported that Hernández had requested his resignation multiple times in the last three months, without it being accepted by the company, which claimed "lack of staff." This kept him in a high-risk position, despite not having the proper safety conditions.
The health system crisis in Cuba has been officially acknowledged. In July, the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, admitted before the National Assembly that only 30% of the basic medication supply is available, and warned about the shortage of supplies, medical personnel, and increasing mortality rates.
While authorities assure that the causes of the accident are being investigated and that Osmani is receiving institutional support, citizens continue to demand transparency, accountability, and decent conditions for those performing high-risk jobs in a collapsed electrical system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the lineman accident in Havana and the electrical situation in Cuba
What happened to the lineman Osmani Hernández in Havana?
Osmani Hernández, a lineman from the Electric Company of Havana, suffered an occupational accident on September 12, 2025, when he received an electric shock that caused burns on both arms. The incident occurred while he was repairing a fault in San Miguel del Padrón, and he was taken to Miguel Enríquez Hospital for medical attention.
What is the current health status of Osmani Hernández?
According to the Electric Company of Havana, Osmani Hernández is in excellent spirits and is receiving all the necessary attention for his recovery at Miguel Enríquez Hospital. However, his ex-partner has indicated that they still need community support to cover some medical needs.
What problems does the electrical system in Cuba currently face?
Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis characterized by prolonged blackouts and failures in the electrical infrastructure. The lack of maintenance, resource shortages, and ineffective management have led to incidents such as the Osmani Hernández accident, in addition to impacting the population with electricity outages and essential service interruptions.
How does the situation of the healthcare system in Cuba affect workers like Osmani Hernández?
The healthcare system in Cuba is facing a structural crisis with coverage of only 30% of the essential medicines list, which directly impacts the care of workers like Osmani Hernández. Despite official claims that workers receive the necessary support, the reality shows that they often rely on community solidarity to meet their basic medical needs.
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