Residents of La Zambrana neighborhood in Camagüey have been grappling with a life-threatening hazard for over 24 hours. Following a truck accident that toppled a utility pole on Van Horne Avenue, between 5th and 6th streets, live electrical cables now lie dangerously on the ground.
Independent journalist José L. Tan Estrada highlighted the issue on Facebook, where his video has gained over 7,200 views.
The response from the Electric Company has been nonexistent. Affected residents report making numerous calls to the emergency line, only to be met with the excuse that no vehicles are available to address the situation.
Meanwhile, two homes remain without power, homes to elderly residents who are particularly vulnerable.
Despite efforts by the community, these electrified cables continue to pose a severe danger, especially to children who frequently play in the area.
"The live cable on the ground is extremely dangerous, especially after all the rain. I've been calling non-stop, but there's no vehicle to come," lamented one local resident.
Recent downpours have significantly heightened the risk. Water conducts electricity, potentially energizing seemingly inactive surfaces like sidewalks, puddles, and metal fences, turning the area into a hidden hazard.
In recent months, trucks have knocked down poles and cables in several Cuban provinces, with little to no swift action from the authorities. In July, a truck collided with a substation in Cienfuegos, leaving over 9,000 customers without service. In October 2025, another vehicle struck a pole in Ranchuelo, Villa Clara, affecting more than 10,000 people.
The lack of vehicles within the Electric Company to handle emergencies is a well-documented issue across the island. In May, during a fire linked to a power cut and reconnection, neither firefighters nor the electric company responded to the neighbors' calls for help.
Entire neighborhoods in Camagüey have faced up to 20 consecutive days without electricity due to faulty transformers and a lack of spare parts. Additionally, the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant was at the center of a collapse of the National Electrical System in July. Cuba has experienced eight nationwide blackouts so far this year, the latest occurring on September 18.
Understanding the Electrical Crisis in Cuba
Why are the power lines still live after the truck accident in Camagüey?
The Electric Company has not responded to the emergency calls due to a reported lack of available vehicles, leaving the live cables on the ground.
How does rain increase the danger of live wires?
Rainwater can conduct electricity, potentially energizing surfaces such as sidewalks and puddles, making them hazardous.
What measures are being taken to address the lack of emergency response in Cuba?
Currently, there appears to be no effective measures in place to address the lack of emergency response, as the issue of vehicle shortages persists.