A classic car was engulfed in flames this Thursday afternoon on a highway in Holguín province, heading towards the city of Bayamo, Granma, according to images shared on Facebook in the group "Accidentes, Buses & Camiones por más experiencia y menos víctimas."
Facebook user Roberto Carlo Estrada Guerra posted several images of the incident, which appeared to have prompted a quick response from a fire truck, although the car was left in poor condition. In one of the videos shared by Estrada, the vehicle can be seen completely charred, with several people watching the firefighters' efforts near the Frank País International Airport.
As of the time of writing, the causes of the incident remain unknown, and it is unclear if there were any injuries.
Frequent Vehicle Fires in Cuba
Recently, a state-owned vehicle belonging to the Specialized Protection Services (Sepsa) caught fire in the Siboney neighborhood of Playa, Havana. Similarly, a Mercedes-Benz car ignited on Boyeros Avenue, also in the capital, creating a dense column of smoke.
These types of fires are becoming increasingly common in Cuba, especially since the "boom" of electric motorcycles. In mid-April this year, one such motorcycle spontaneously combusted inside a home in Santos Suárez, Diez de Octubre. Additionally, a significant fire recently destroyed a garage in Ranchuelo, Villa Clara province, due to a battery failure in an electric motorcycle. The fire occurred at house number 14 on Antonio Maceo Street between Juan B Contreras and Camilo Cienfuegos. The blaze left the motorcycle completely unusable and caused structural damage to the building, but no human casualties were reported.
Another electric motorcycle caught fire in Havana in April, severely damaging a family home, while in March, another was almost entirely reduced to ashes after igniting on a street in Jagüey Grande, Matanzas.
However, the most devastating fire in recent Cuban memory occurred on August 5, 2022, when a lightning strike hit a tank containing 40,000 gallons of fuel at the Matanzas Supertanker Base. The disaster resulted in 17 fatalities.
Understanding Frequent Vehicle Fires in Cuba
Given the increasing number of vehicle fires in Cuba, it's important to understand the causes, consequences, and preventative measures. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What are the common causes of vehicle fires in Cuba?
Common causes include electrical failures, particularly in electric motorcycles, lightning strikes, and issues with vehicle maintenance.
How can vehicle fires be prevented?
Regular maintenance, proper storage of vehicles, and ensuring that electrical systems are in good condition can help prevent such fires.
What should you do if your vehicle catches fire?
If your vehicle catches fire, immediately move to a safe distance, call emergency services, and do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself unless you are trained and have the proper equipment.