The fire that broke out on Saturday near the National Hotel of Cuba continues to flood social media with images, while raising questions about events barely explained by the authorities and the regime's official media.
A May 2023 report from the National News of Cuban Television (NTV) praised the National Hotel for its multiple accolades from the World Travel Awards as Cuba's Leading Hotel for the excellence of its services and its implementation of a fire prevention plan recognized by the Cuban Fire Department.
"We haven't called the fire department in 30 years," admitted a member of the security team at the iconic Havana hotel at the time, highlighting the close collaboration with the fire department, which visited the premises monthly to verify the reliability of their fire safety systems and protocols.
However, the report from the NTV sharply contrasts with the events of last Saturday. The thick smoke rising from the vicinity of the hotel and the chaotic images of the fire brigade driving the wrong way up O Street, as well as the delay in completely extinguishing the flames, cast doubt on the official information.
It is also notable that the incident has not received more in-depth coverage from the regime's official media outlets.
The lack of transparency surrounding the incident at the historic capital hotel raises questions about the preparedness of Cuban hotel facilities for such emergencies, as well as the intentions of the authorities in not clarifying what happened.
The explosion at the Hotel Saratoga in May 2022, a tragedy that claimed 47 lives, still awaits explanations and accountability, despite the regime's promises of a thorough investigation to determine the causes and consequences of the fatal event.
Key Questions About the National Hotel Fire
To provide further insight into the recent fire at the National Hotel of Cuba, we've compiled some frequently asked questions regarding the incident and the broader implications for hotel safety in Cuba.
What caused the fire at the National Hotel of Cuba?
The exact cause of the fire has not been officially explained by the authorities, leading to speculation and concern among the public.
How has the National Hotel of Cuba been recognized for its fire safety measures?
The hotel has been recognized multiple times by the World Travel Awards as Cuba's Leading Hotel, particularly for its excellence in services and its implementation of a fire prevention plan.
Why has the incident not received more coverage from Cuban official media?
The lack of detailed coverage by the regime's media outlets raises questions about transparency and the possible intentions of the authorities in managing public perception.
What are the broader implications for hotel safety in Cuba?
The incident at the National Hotel highlights potential issues with the preparedness of Cuban hotel facilities for emergencies, raising concerns about overall safety standards.