"The fire was spectacular". This is how a neighbor from Centro Habana described the fire that occurred on Wednesday night next to the unit of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) on Zanja, following the explosion of an electrical connection box amid the energy crisis in Cuba.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of Zanja and Escobar streets, an area where residents claim that electrical issues have been building up for years.
Images shared on social media showed large flames, thick smoke, and explosions that illuminated several blocks during the blackout.
“The explosions were reflecting off the wall of the school across the street and could be heard in my house, a block away,” reported a local resident to CiberCuba, who stated that the smell of burning had already been noticeable for hours.
According to the testimony, what caught fire was an electrical connection box located on the side of the police station, very close to another underground facility that has burned at least twice in recent years.
"With all the streets dark, it felt like a movie," the neighbor added. He also explained that there are still internet connectivity limitations in the neighborhood since the fire.
Firefighters arrived at the scene and managed to control the flames without any injuries reported. So far, the authorities have not issued an official explanation regarding the incident.
On social media, several videos are circulating and Cubans have attributed the fire to the deterioration of the electrical infrastructure and the poor condition of the underground wiring.
"The cables are old, and that was to be expected," commented a user. Others pointed out that the electrical connections in that area "have been poorly protected and overloaded for years."
The incident highlights the advanced deterioration of the Cuban electrical system, which is unable to ensure stability even in areas close to state facilities.
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