Two workers were hospitalized after inhaling toxic gas while attempting to fix a leak at the EPEP-Centro oil company in Varadero. The victims, both young men, were working on an underground gas leak when they inadvertently inhaled the toxic fumes, according to reports from residents of Santa Marta in Varadero, shared in the Cardenenses Facebook group.
"The two patients were stabilized at the Santa Marta polyclinic and then transferred to Cárdenas. Later, they were sent to Matanzas," stated a hospital employee. According to other comments, the young men were initially reported in serious condition, but at least one has shown signs of improvement.
As of now, no official information has been released regarding the incident. In recent hours, a fire was also reported near the Supertanker Base in Matanzas. In March, the regime reported that while the number of workplace accidents in Cuba decreased in 2023, the death toll remained at the same levels as in 2022.
In a report titled "Work Protection. Selected Indicators," the state-run National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) noted that from January to the end of December 2023, there were a total of 1,491 workplace accidents on the island. The mortality rate, representing fatalities per 1,000 injured, rose from 30.3 to 33.8 points, particularly due to incidents in Agriculture, Construction, and the Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply sectors.
FAQs on the Varadero Gas Leak Incident
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the gas leak incident at the EPEP-Centro oil company in Varadero.
What caused the gas leak at the Varadero oil company?
The gas leak occurred while two workers were attempting to repair an underground gas line.
What is the current condition of the hospitalized workers?
The workers were initially in serious condition, but at least one has shown signs of improvement.
Has there been any official statement about the incident?
No official information has been released regarding the gas leak incident.