Several Cubans are among those displaced by a large-scale fire that ravaged the Temple Court apartment complex in Miami. At least 47 people, mostly elderly and disabled individuals, spent Tuesday night in a shelter set up by city authorities at José Martí Park in Little Havana. The shelter was attended by authorities, members of the Red Cross, and machines to reissue official documents for those who lost everything, reported Telemundo 51.
Mayor Francis Suarez stated that they are working with the private sector to relocate the displaced to hotels, where they will stay for the next two weeks while new homes are arranged. The Red Cross took charge of replacing medications for the elderly with chronic conditions who could not save them. "I didn't sleep last night, no one imagined this," said Isabel Gonzalez, an elderly woman who was left homeless.
Miguel Ángel Gabela, Miami commissioner for District 1, informed that several housing units have been secured for some of the displaced: "I came this morning because, as I promised last night, my office has secured 19 units to make available to them," Gabela said.
Regarding the suspected arsonist and the pain the victims are enduring, many expressed shock. "They say he was problematic... how can someone set a building on fire?" questioned a neighbor. The suspect behind Monday's massive fire lived in one of the apartments. Juan Francisco Figueroa, 73, was arrested and taken to TGK Jail in Miami-Dade early Tuesday morning. The accused fired several shots, injuring a building employee, and then set the building ablaze.
Figueroa, who faces charges of attempted murder with a firearm, felony, and arson, admitted to his actions and "expected to spend the rest of his life in prison," according to the arrest report.
Key Questions About the Miami Apartment Fire
Below are some important questions and answers regarding the Miami apartment fire and its aftermath:
Who are the primary victims of the Miami apartment fire?
The primary victims are elderly and disabled individuals, including several Cubans, who were displaced by the fire.
What measures are being taken to help the displaced individuals?
Authorities, along with the Red Cross, are providing shelter, reissuing lost documents, and replacing essential medications. Efforts are also being made to relocate the displaced to hotels temporarily.
Who is responsible for the fire, and what charges are they facing?
Juan Francisco Figueroa, 73, has been arrested and faces charges of attempted murder with a firearm, felony, and arson. He admitted to starting the fire and acknowledged his actions.