Mother and Son Perish in Building Collapse in Old Havana

The early hours of Sunday morning brought a heartbreaking incident in Old Havana, where a partial building collapse on Compostela Street, between Muralla and Sol, claimed the lives of Carlos Fidel Sánchez Díaz, 38, and his mother, Sara Paula Díaz, 64.

The disaster struck around 2:15 am, as rescue teams, the National Revolutionary Police, and the Ministry of Public Health were engaged in efforts to retrieve those trapped beneath the rubble.

Residents nearby reported that the building had clear structural deficiencies. Several families lived within the deteriorating structure, including a woman with four children, an elderly woman, and an old man with his son.

Eyewitnesses noted that the collapse occurred at the rear section of the building, highlighting the dire conditions faced by many families in the capital.

Widespread Neglect and Hazardous Living Conditions

This incident is not an isolated case. In recent years, the deteriorating state of Havana's buildings, coupled with a shortage of construction materials and governmental neglect, has turned many homes into potential death traps.

Official statistics indicate that around 1,000 buildings collapse annually in the city, often resulting in fatalities and injuries. Recent incidents, such as the collapse on Sol Street in late September or the partial collapse on September 16 at Industria and San Rafael, showcase a persistent pattern of neglect and lack of maintenance.

Government Priorities and Public Safety

The housing crisis has forced numerous families to return to derelict buildings due to the absence of alternatives. Unlike the government's focus on constructing hotels and tourist projects, the lives of hundreds of residents remain perilously at risk.

Both neighbors and witnesses agree that the tragedy could have been averted with effective maintenance policies, building renovations, and rigorous inspections to prevent such collapses.

Nevertheless, the institutional sluggishness and lack of effective response continue to highlight the neglect experienced by thousands of Havana residents, who must rely on their own resources or community support to cope with the precarious conditions.

An Urgent Call for Change

While authorities conduct inquiries and make promises of assistance that seldom materialize, the population endures amidst the wreckage, insecurity, and despair.

The tragedy on Compostela serves as a stark reminder that behind each statistical figure lie human lives at risk and families shattered by governmental inefficiency.