A dramatic traffic accident that occurred on the night of this Sunday caused a severe power outage in the municipality of Ranchuelo, Villa Clara, leaving several neighborhoods in the dark and affecting more than 10,000 people.
The collision of a government truck with a power line pole sparked an electrical fire at the Gran Panel substation, causing a massive service outage and an explosion that alarmed local residents.
At the time of the accident, the driver of the truck and a minor were traveling in the vehicle, both of whom were injured, as reported by the Cuban News Agency (ACN).
Both were urgently transferred to the "Juan B. Contreras" health clinic, where they are being attended to by specialized personnel, as reported to the mentioned media outlet by Armando Consuegra Sotolongo, the municipal director of Health.
No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported as a direct consequence of the accident, according to Jeily Manresa Sarduy, president of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power.
How did the accident happen?
According to the official report, the incident occurred on Coronel Acebo Street, between Leoncio Vidal and Faustino Solís, when a truck belonging to the Transportation and Services for Mechanization Company (TRAZMEC), with license plate B-207710, violently crashed into a utility pole.
The collision not only caused the post to fall, but also generated an arch of incandescent light at the municipality's electrical substation, which was visible from various points in Ranchuelo.
According to Everest Morales Pérez, director of the local Electric Company, the impact caused a major breakdown that disabled circuits 188, 189, 89, and 97, affecting the electricity supply in multiple areas of the city.
Impacts on the electrical system
Journalist Henry Omar Pérez, who has been following the situation on the ground, expanded the list of circuits affected by the outage.
According to their report on social media, the affected circuits also included:
-Circuit 166 (Condado).
-Circuit 167 (Virginia).
-Circuit 168 (Condado–XX Anniversary).
-Circuit 170 (Roundabout–12 Floors).
-Circuit 171 (Los Caneyes).
As is often the case during any collapse of the electrical system, the Government activated its "rapid response" rhetoric, deploying forces from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), members of the Communist Party, and local officials to the site of the accident.
However, the presence of these figures did not change a reality that is repeated throughout Cuba: the public infrastructure is so fragile that any incident, even one of human origin like this, is enough to leave thousands of people without an essential service for hours.
According to updates from journalist Henry Omar Pérez, some circuits have begun to receive power again after several hours, although it has not been specified how many are still without service.
There is also no confirmation about the condition of the truck involved, the driver's status, or the specific causes of the accident, even though it is a state vehicle operating within an urban environment.
This new blackout in Ranchuelo once again exposes the structural cracks in the Cuban electrical system and the ongoing collapse of public services.
Beyond the specific incident, what becomes evident is a vulnerable energy network, lacking maintenance and real investment, and an unprotected population that bears the cost of an administrative model incapable of preventing, responding, or providing transparent information.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Massive Blackout in Villa Clara
What caused the blackout in Villa Clara?
The blackout in Villa Clara was caused by a traffic accident in which a state truck collided with an electrical pole, resulting in an explosion and a fire at the Gran Panel substation. This situation left more than 10,000 people in Ranchuelo without electrical service.
How many electrical circuits were affected by the accident?
The accident affected several electrical circuits, including circuits 188, 189, 89, 97, 166, 167, 168, 170, and 171. The extent of the outage left multiple areas of Ranchuelo without electrical supply for several hours.
Were there any injuries in the accident in Ranchuelo?
Yes, in the accident, the truck driver and a minor who was traveling with him were injured. Both were taken to the "Juan B. Contreras" polyclinic for medical attention. No fatalities or severe injuries were reported.
How does this incident affect the Cuban electrical system?
This incident exposes the structural cracks in the Cuban electrical system. The fragility of the energy infrastructure and the lack of proper maintenance mean that any accident, even one of human origin, can leave thousands of people without an essential service.
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