An intense explosion early Monday morning shook the town of Camajuaní in Villa Clara province, after a massive fire erupted at a fireworks warehouse in the Los Chivos neighborhood.
Local initial reports indicate that the blast sent a column of black smoke visible from miles away and ignited a fire that has also affected nearby homes, forcing residents to evacuate due to the threat of spreading flames.
Currently, there are no confirmed fatalities, though several individuals have been treated for mild asphyxia and nervous shock, as reported by communicator Henry Omar Pérez on social media.
At the scene, firefighters, Ministry of the Interior brigades, and municipal authorities are working diligently to control the blaze and prevent further explosions.
A photo shared by Pérez on Facebook captured the flames from the deflagration and the thick plume of smoke rising after the explosion.
A Festive Tradition Turned Tragic
Camajuaní is celebrated for its historical pyrotechnic traditions, closely tied to the Parrandas of Camajuaní, one of Cuba's oldest and most iconic festivals, declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
Fireworks have been the heart of these celebrations for centuries, combining floats, music, dances, lights, and rockets in a unique display of popular art. Local sources say that the art of fireworks was introduced by residents from Remedios, flourishing notably with the arrival of maestro Manuel Barojo, a pioneering figure in Camajuaní's pyrotechnic scene.
This deeply ingrained local identity has also posed risks. In several instances, artisanal workshops and warehouses where these devices are crafted have suffered from fires or explosions due to the handling of highly flammable materials under precarious conditions.
Pirocam: The Modern Factory and Its Safety Promises
The explosion occurred in an area home to Cuba's only modern fireworks factory, known as Pirocam, a project hailed as a "model of innovation and safety" when inaugurated years ago by state media such as Granma.
The plant was a collaboration between Villa Clara's business group Viclar and the Spanish entity Reacan, which boasts over two centuries of experience in the field. Pirocam produces shells, mortars, cascades, and light and sound rockets, destined for hotels, tourist centers, and exports to the Caribbean.
Official discourse emphasized that the factory was equipped with "all necessary protection measures for its workers," but today's events put the actual safety of the country's pyrotechnic facilities under scrutiny, where resource shortages, maintenance issues, and technical oversight are common problems.
Authorities on the Scene and Official Silence
Residents of Los Chivos reported hearing the detonations shortly after six in the morning, followed by a vibration that rattled windows and roofs. Some recorded videos of the fire, now circulating on Facebook and WhatsApp, though there remains no official confirmation.
MININT rescue teams have cordoned off the area and continue to extinguish the flames, while local authorities investigate the fire's origin. As of now, the municipal government has not released an official statement regarding human or material damages.
The fire has also raised concerns among residents about the potential environmental impact of the smoke and chemical residues released from the combustion of explosive materials.
Between Tradition and Risk
The Parrandas of Camajuaní, meant to be a source of joy and community unity, are now overshadowed by an incident that highlights the fragility of safety conditions in the country's pyrotechnic facilities.
As emergency crews continue their efforts, CiberCuba will remain vigilant for witness testimonies and local sources to provide further information on the number of injured, causes of the explosion, and measures taken by authorities.
This incident not only mourns a community deeply connected to its festive art but also reignites the debate over industrial risk and the lack of oversight in Cuba, where tradition and economic necessity often outweigh safety.
Key Questions on the Camajuaní Explosion
What caused the explosion in Camajuaní?
The explosion was caused by a fire at a fireworks warehouse in the Los Chivos neighborhood. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation by local authorities.
Are there any casualties reported from the explosion?
Currently, there are no reported fatalities, though several people have been treated for mild asphyxia and nervous shock.
What is Pirocam and its significance?
Pirocam is Cuba's only modern fireworks factory, located in Villa Clara. It was established as a model of safety and innovation in collaboration with the Spanish company Reacan.