A couple and their 21-year-old son died early Monday morning in Havana after a fire broke out in their home, allegedly caused by the explosion of an electric scooter.
The tragic incident occurred on 62A Street between 23rd and 25th in the Buenavista neighborhood of Playa municipality, according to social media reports. The victims were identified as Ghislen, her husband Víctor, and their son José, who was a student at the José Antonio Echeverría Technological University of Havana (CUJAE).
A report from La Tijera indicated that the fire station Command No. 8 is less than a kilometer away from the scene, but witnesses claim it took 45 minutes for firefighters to arrive.
"The neighbors did everything possible to rescue them, but they couldn't break the bars on the door and windows. They ran to the firefighters, who said they couldn't go without being notified by the command post. What a tragedy!" the publication concluded.
The alleged delay of the firefighters due to bureaucratic reasons sparked numerous critical comments from people questioning the possibility of such an event.
"Not only the firefighters, the ambulance never arrived either. The young man who was my friend and brother, when they took him out, he was still alive, and they had to take him in a patrol car," explained Darmir Urdanivia, a friend of the deceased young man.
"If the firefighters had arrived on time and there had been an ambulance at the scene, he could have been saved, but it happened as it did. Rest in peace, José, you are loved and missed, my brother," he added.
Other commentators emphasized the confirmed danger of sleeping with electric scooters inside homes and urged people to avoid it at all costs.
"They had a garage, but someone tried to steal from it, and while they secured the garage that night, they decided to leave the scooter inside the house for more security. Unfortunately, the tragedy occurred," noted an internet user familiar with the case.
"No one wants to kill anyone or die themselves, and the man who died was not irresponsible and adored his family. The neighbors ran to call the firefighters, but they didn't come due to pure bureaucratism because they had to wait for the command post to notify them," the same source added, reiterating the alleged delay of the firefighters.
As of the close of this note, official press sources have not reported on the tragedy, which is not the first of its kind in recent years.
In June of last year, a devastating fire claimed the lives of seven members of a family in Central Havana, two of whom were children, following the explosion of several electric scooters inside a home.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Havana House Fire
This section addresses some common questions and answers regarding the recent house fire in Havana, providing clarity on the tragic event and its implications.
What caused the house fire in Havana?
The fire was allegedly caused by the explosion of an electric scooter inside the home.
Why did it take firefighters so long to respond?
Witnesses claim the delay was due to bureaucratic procedures, as firefighters needed to be officially notified by the command post.
Were there previous incidents of similar fires in Havana?
Yes, in June of the previous year, a fire caused by the explosion of electric scooters resulted in the deaths of seven family members in Central Havana.