A complex rescue operation unfolded on Wednesday in San Juan de los Remedios, Villa Clara, after an abandoned structure gave way. Firefighters utilized drones to locate individuals trapped beneath the rubble.
Susely Morfa González, the first secretary of the Provincial Committee of the PCC in Villa Clara, confirmed that it was believed three people were inside the building at the time of the collapse. "Firefighters, Red Cross, and SIUM are on site," she posted on her X account.
The Provincial Fire Command employed drones for precise geolocation of the missing, a technique previously used in Cuba during the 2022 Hotel Saratoga explosion and similar emergencies.
Authorities described the rescue efforts as "highly dangerous and complex" due to the conditions of the collapsed building. Cranes, shovels, and heavy machinery were deployed to clear debris, while medical teams and ambulances stood by to provide immediate assistance to survivors once they were freed.
Unconfirmed reports circulated on local social media pages suggested that up to 14 people might be trapped, with two bodies already recovered. However, these sources cautioned that the information was preliminary and subject to change.
The building was unofficially identified as the former ESBEC No. 1, commonly known as "La 1," located on the road to Rojas.
Unverified local sources also indicated that some of those present were scavenging for iron and other construction materials when the collapse occurred. This practice, common among economically vulnerable Cubans, exacerbates the risk of collapse in already fragile structures.
The Remedios collapse is part of a troubling pattern seen across the island. Just ten days earlier, two men were trapped when a building in Colón, Matanzas, gave way, though both were rescued alive.
In Havana alone, approximately 1,000 buildings collapse each year, and the national housing deficit exceeds 800,000 homes, highlighting decades of neglect and lack of maintenance under the regime.
Top local officials were on site from the onset of the emergency, overseeing operations. Meanwhile, families of the trapped individuals received psychological support as they awaited updates on the rescue efforts.
Details of the rescue operation were still emerging as this report was finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Remedios Building Collapse
What caused the building collapse in Remedios?
The collapse was likely caused by structural deterioration, exacerbated by individuals scavenging for building materials, a common practice among economically vulnerable Cubans.
How are drones being used in the rescue operation?
Drones are being used to precisely locate individuals trapped under the rubble, a technique that aids in directing rescue efforts efficiently.
What is the housing situation in Cuba?
Cuba faces a significant housing crisis, with a national deficit exceeding 800,000 homes and frequent building collapses due to decades of neglect.