Gabys Vega, the mother of a six-year-old boy who was injured after a staircase collapsed in a building on the Malecón on May 28, has made a desperate plea for help.
In a recent social media post, the young mother detailed that after her son was discharged from the hospital on Thursday, May 30, she and her two children—the injured boy and a 10-month-old baby—had to spend the night in the entrance of a nearby building because they couldn't return to their home.
She explained that they had to stay at the entrance of the building at Malecón 51, one of the tallest and best-preserved buildings in the area, known for its coffin-like balconies.
"I have called the government several times and haven't received any assistance. I am on the streets with my two children, the injured one and a 10-month-old baby, and I have nowhere to go. I hope for help from a human being with feelings, more than just a title," she wrote on Facebook.
"This is how my child ended up after the collapse at Malecón, but I thank God that he is alive and thank all those who cared for him," she posted on June 2. In videos, the boy is seen after arriving at the hospital—presumably at Juan Manuel Márquez—lying alone on a stretcher without immediate attention from emergency medical staff.
The videos show the boy with a severely swollen mouth and a bloodied back, also complaining of foot pain.
"There's nothing here. Absolutely nothing," the person recording the videos can be heard saying.
"This is where my son had the accident, but I have nowhere to go. I have a 10-month-old baby; I need help. My name is Gabys Vega. Thank you and please share," reads a caption accompanying the videos, which have been shared in the Facebook group "Desaparecidos dentro de Cuba, somos tu voz," aiming to amplify the mother's plea.
Dozens of netizens have reacted with outrage and sympathy to the harrowing images.
"I don't see a doctor anywhere. How disrespectful, for God's sake!" and "Exactly, what a lack of respect. The doctors should be there attending to the child. What pain, my God, poor little angel!" were some of the reactions.
Several users tagged Limay Blanco, Lara Crofs, and other individuals or activists who could potentially organize direct aid for this young mother.
In a photo posted this week, Gabys Vega shared a picture of the boy, "Yordanis," who fortunately appears more recovered.
In the comments section, Vega mentioned that she and her children are currently staying at a friend's house and reiterated that they cannot return to their building because it is falling apart.
Building Collapse in Malecón
The building where the accident occurred is located on Malecón between Cárcel and Genios.
Images after the incident showed firefighters placing a ladder on the building's facade to rescue residents trapped on the upper floors.
A video published by ADN Cuba reporters last week showed the extent of the interior destruction, rendering the building completely uninhabitable.
Official state media have remained silent on the collapse, another in a Havana that is crumbling.
FAQs About the Staircase Collapse in Malecón
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the staircase collapse on Malecón that injured a six-year-old boy.
What caused the staircase to collapse?
The exact cause of the staircase collapse has not been officially reported, but it is likely due to the building's poor condition and lack of maintenance.
Where is Gabys Vega and her children staying now?
Gabys Vega and her children are currently staying at a friend's house, as they cannot return to their previous residence due to the building's unsafe condition.
Has the government responded to Gabys Vega's plea for help?
As of now, Gabys Vega has not received any assistance from the government despite multiple calls for help.