A section of the roof at the Paradero de Camarones railway station in Cienfuegos, located in the municipality of Palmira, collapsed this Monday, highlighting the deep crisis affecting the country. Camilo Venegas Yero reported the incident on Facebook and shared images sent by Mariolys Fernández, daughter of Efraín, the projectionist of the iconic Cine Justo: "She notified me shortly after it happened. She took and sent me these painful images."
"After this collapse, I have lost all shelter in my place in the world. Now the only way I can find refuge there is through words," Venegas reflected, deeply affected by the roof's collapse at a site that evoked nostalgia for him.
He also recalled that the site was built in 1914 by the Ferrocarriles Unidos de La Habana: "The imposing building with a castle-like shape and two platforms survived many Cubas and withstood countless storms until Cuba itself couldn't survive. Only then did it give up," he stated, denouncing that the site was being consumed by neglect and inaction from the regime.
Ongoing Structural Deterioration Amid Cuba's Economic Crisis
The economic crisis in Cuba is reflected in the relentless deterioration of buildings. Many structures are collapsing, endangering lives, while the regime fails to provide effective solutions to the problem.
Last Thursday, the staircase of a multifamily building collapsed in Old Havana, leaving several residents stranded, as reported on social media by the Municipal Administration Council. The official source indicated that there were no fatalities, although it did not clarify whether anyone was injured as a result of the incident.
In July, a 60-year-old man died due to a collapse in the Havana municipality of Guanabacoa, confirmed by Cuban authorities and neighbors of the victim. The news was shared on social media by the Municipal Administration Council, which stated that the collapse of the façade of building number 61 severely injured a neighbor identified as Miguel, who was quickly attended to but later died due to the severity of his injuries.
And in June, Ismael Ramos Suárez was hospitalized at Calixto García Hospital due to injuries sustained from a roof collapse in Old Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Collapses in Cuba
Given the alarming frequency of building collapses in Cuba, many people have questions concerning the safety and structural integrity of buildings in the country. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What caused the roof collapse at Paradero de Camarones in Cienfuegos?
The roof collapse at Paradero de Camarones is attributed to the prolonged neglect and inaction of the regime, along with the overall economic crisis in Cuba that has led to the deterioration of many buildings.
Are building collapses common in Cuba?
Yes, building collapses have become increasingly common in Cuba due to the economic crisis and lack of effective maintenance and refurbishment from the regime.
What measures are being taken to address building safety in Cuba?
Currently, there appears to be a lack of effective measures from the regime to address building safety, as evidenced by the ongoing collapses and the absence of long-term solutions.