A building located on Milanés Street, between Manzaneda and Zaragoza, in Matanzas' historic district, unexpectedly collapsed this afternoon without causing any injuries, as reported by photographer Christian Arbolaez in the Girón newspaper.
Photos from the scene depict debris scattered across the sidewalk and street, with emergency personnel donning white and yellow helmets assessing the situation among the colonial buildings that are emblematic of Matanzas' heritage.
The cause of the collapse remains undetermined as of the latest updates.
Structural Decay in a National Monument Zone
This incident occurred in one of the main thoroughfares of the city's historic core, an area designated as a National Monument. Technical reports estimate that around 100 structures in this zone are in severe disrepair, with 12% of buildings considered at risk of irreversible collapse.
The deterioration stems from systemic issues: inadequate waterproofing and drainage systems, lack of planned maintenance, inappropriate changes in building use, scarcity of construction materials, and an absence of stable funding for preservation efforts.
Back in July 2025, local authorities restricted access to several buildings in the historic center due to collapse risks, yet the situation has not significantly improved.
Recurring Collapses Across Matanzas and Beyond
Milanés Street runs parallel to Calle del Medio, a street whose decline was well-documented in May 2026 due to illegal motorcycle traffic, garbage accumulation, and thefts, despite being a pedestrian zone also recognized as a National Monument.
This collapse is one of several in Matanzas during 2026. On May 30, the former café El Confite in Colón partially gave way, and on May 11, a store in Cárdenas collapsed, both fortunately without injuries.
Nationwide Crisis of Building Failures
The pattern of structural failures is not confined to Matanzas; it is a national issue. In Havana, nearly 1,000 buildings collapse annually. By the end of 2025, there were 185,348 properties in poor condition in the capital, with over 46,000 requiring major repairs. In the same year, at least six people died from building collapses in Havana, including a seven-year-old girl and a five-month-old baby.
The Cuban regime has faced continuous criticism for prioritizing the construction of tourist hotels over maintaining residential heritage and historic centers, a policy that has exacerbated the structural crisis throughout the country.
In 2026, Girón, the official newspaper of the province, warned that "what is at stake is not only the image of Matanzas but also the health and future of its residents."
Understanding the Causes and Impact of Building Collapses in Cuba
What are the main reasons for building collapses in Cuba?
The primary causes of building collapses in Cuba include systemic issues such as poor waterproofing, inadequate drainage, lack of planned maintenance, inappropriate building use changes, scarcity of construction materials, and insufficient funding for preservation.
How severe is the building deterioration in Matanzas?
In Matanzas' historic district, approximately 100 buildings are in severe disrepair, with 12% of the structures deemed at high risk of collapsing irreversibly.
What measures have been taken to prevent future collapses in Matanzas?
In July 2025, local authorities limited access to several buildings in the historic center due to collapse risks, although significant improvements have not yet been observed.