A Cuban driver was forced to watch helplessly as his Lada burned in the middle of a bustling avenue in Havana, due to the lack of a fire extinguisher to put out the blaze. The incident was reported in the Facebook group Automobile Accidents in Cuba. A user noted that the fire occurred on Friday morning on Vía Blanca, near the entrance to Regla.
"It must be the greatest desperation a human being can experience, watching something that has cost you sweat and sacrifice consumed by fire, and being unable to do anything but watch," said one netizen.
In the video, several voices can be heard lamenting that drivers in Cuba lack essential resources like a fire extinguisher, which could help prevent such accidents. The Cuban firefighters did not arrive in time to stop the inferno, and the flames spread from the hood to the interior of the vehicle, causing significant material damage to the Lada's owner.
There are not many details about this accident on social media, but so far, no loss of human life has been reported. Just a few days ago, a house caught fire in Matanzas due to the explosion of an electric scooter. Witnesses claim the vehicle's battery collapsed due to a power surge when the electricity was restored after a blackout. Firefighters responded to extinguish the blaze on Capricho Street, in the Los Mangos neighborhood.
Common Questions About Fire Safety and Incidents in Cuba
Given the recent incidents involving vehicle and residential fires in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding fire safety and emergency response in the country.
Why don't Cuban drivers have fire extinguishers?
Many Cuban drivers lack fire extinguishers due to economic constraints and the scarcity of such essential safety equipment in the country.
How effective are the Cuban firefighters in responding to emergencies?
Cuban firefighters often face challenges such as limited resources and outdated equipment, which can delay their response times and affect their effectiveness in handling emergencies.
What should Cuban residents do in case of a fire?
Residents should immediately alert the fire department, evacuate the area, and use any available means to extinguish the fire if it is safe to do so. Ensuring electrical systems are properly maintained can also help prevent such fires.