One person has died and two others were injured after a wall collapsed on the roof of a house in the Cerro municipality of Havana this Friday, according to official sources. The Cerro Municipal Administration Council reported on Facebook that the tragic incident occurred early Friday morning on Calzada del Cerro, between Carvajal and Patria.
The two injured individuals "received urgent medical attention and are out of danger," the post indicates. A Facebook user mentioned she was present during the rescue of the injured, who were transported to the nearest hospital thanks to a passing minibus.
This marks the fourth collapse identified in the city this week. On Thursday night, three people were injured when a balcony collapsed onto a café in a very central area of El Vedado. The unfortunate accident occurred at El Tablazo café, located on 1st Street, between C and D.
Meanwhile, on Friday morning, the upper part of a two-story house also collapsed, though no injuries were reported. A video on social media showed the building cracking on one side, with the crack growing larger until the upper structure ultimately collapsed.
Just days earlier, another partial collapse occurred in a building on Monte Street, between Águila and Ángeles, in Old Havana, resulting in one person being injured and requiring hospitalization.
Understanding Building Collapses in Havana
The recent incidents of building collapses in Havana have raised several questions. Here, we address some common queries to provide clarity on the situation.
What caused the wall to collapse in Cerro?
The exact cause of the wall collapse in Cerro has not been officially disclosed. However, it is likely due to the deteriorating infrastructure in many parts of Havana.
How common are building collapses in Havana?
Building collapses are unfortunately not uncommon in Havana. The city has seen multiple incidents in just the past week, highlighting ongoing issues with aging and poorly maintained structures.
What measures are being taken to prevent future collapses?
While specific measures have not been detailed, there are calls for increased maintenance and renovation efforts to address the city's deteriorating infrastructure. The government is under pressure to improve building safety standards.