A tragic fire claimed the life of one individual on Monday in an apartment located at Lombillo 792, between Hidalgo and Estancia, within the Plaza de la Revolución district.
According to a Facebook post by the Plaza de la Revolución Administrative Council, the fire broke out late in the morning, prompting an immediate response from the Cuban Fire Department and specialists from the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), who are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.
Authorities from the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), the municipal government, Public Health representatives, and the Revolutionary National Police (PNR) were present at the scene to manage the situation and coordinate relief efforts.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased," stated the Council's official communication.
This incident underscores the structural deficiencies and vulnerabilities of numerous buildings in Cuba's capital. Just weeks ago, a similar blaze in Central Havana resulted in a major response from firefighters and local residents, who watched as flames engulfed part of the building, necessitating the evacuation of nearby homes.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the Central Havana fire was sparked by an electrical fault—a common issue in the municipality's aging structures, many of which suffer from deteriorating conditions and outdated electrical systems.
Soon after, a fire at a Havana hospital forced the evacuation of patients and medical staff. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze after several hours, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the healthcare facility.
On the same day, a fire at a fuel depot produced a thick column of smoke visible from various points across the city, raising alarm among Havana residents. Although no casualties were reported, the incident highlighted the frailty of industrial infrastructure and the clear lack of effective safety protocols.
Understanding Havana's Structural Challenges
What caused the recent fire in Plaza de la Revolución?
The fire's cause is under investigation by the Cuban Fire Department and Ministry of the Interior specialists.
How did authorities respond to the fire?
Authorities from the Communist Party, municipal government, and public health services coordinated actions at the scene to manage the situation and provide relief.
Why are fires a recurring issue in Havana?
Fires often occur due to structural deficiencies and outdated electrical systems in many of Havana's older buildings.