Rescue crews stationed at the former ESBEC No. 1 in the Remedios municipality of Villa Clara are on the brink of reaching the first survivor discovered amid the rubble of the collapsed building. This update was shared by journalist Henry Omar Pérez on Facebook at 10:41 p.m.
The collapse took place at the deserted structure known as "La 1," situated on the road to Rojas. Search efforts persisted into the early hours, backed by firefighters, the Red Cross, and the Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIUM).
"They're incredibly close to a survivor!" Pérez noted in his post, emphasizing that specialized teams have maintained communication with at least one trapped individual, who has already been provided with water.
To ensure visibility during night operations, rescuers are using a generator to illuminate the work area. Additionally, drones have been employed to locate individuals trapped beneath the debris, marking the operation as highly complex.
Preliminary official reports, attributed to Susely Morfa González, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Villa Clara, suggest that around three individuals were inside the building at the time of its collapse.
However, unverified accounts circulating on local social media suggest that up to 14 people may be trapped, with two bodies already recovered—figures yet to be confirmed by authorities.
There are also unconfirmed reports that some of those present might have been extracting rebar or other materials from the structure when it gave way.
Both Morfa González and Milaxy Yanet Sánchez Armás have arrived on the scene to oversee operations and coordinate necessary resources.
The collapsed building was part of the so-called Basic Secondary Schools in the Countryside, educational centers established in the 1970s where students combined study with agricultural work in a boarding school setting.
Many of these structures have been left to decay for years, illustrating the widespread deterioration of public infrastructure in Cuba, where collapses are increasingly common due to decades of neglect.
As this report concludes, rescue operations remain active with teams working tirelessly to extract the first confirmed survivor from the debris.
Key Information on the Remedios Building Collapse
What caused the building collapse in Remedios?
The collapse occurred in an abandoned building known as "La 1". Although official causes have not been confirmed, unverified reports suggest that individuals may have been extracting materials from the structure at the time of its collapse.
How many people are believed to be trapped?
Official reports suggest about three individuals were inside the building when it collapsed. However, social media accounts indicate up to 14 might be trapped, with two bodies recovered so far.
What measures are being taken in the rescue efforts?
Rescuers are using a generator for illumination and deploying drones to locate trapped individuals. These efforts are supported by firefighters, the Red Cross, and the Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIUM).