A 60-year-old man died as a result of a building collapse that occurred on Wednesday in the Havana municipality of Guanabacoa, confirmed by Cuban authorities and local residents. The incident was shared on social media by the Municipal Administration Council, which reported that the facade collapse of building number 61 severely injured a neighbor identified as Miguel, aged 60. Despite receiving prompt medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries later due to their severity.
The official post did not provide further details about the incident, but several residents in the area stated that the event has left "all the neighbors in a very bad state," highlighting the poor condition of the housing stock in that zone. Yudaimi Morales, a local resident, explained that the collapse happened on Cadena Street, between División and Versalles, and "killed a well-loved neighbor," she said. Outraged, she claimed that the collapse was due to negligence by the authorities.
In response, she called for urgent attention to the housing conditions on that street, warning that "if they don't act, many more people are going to die." She implored, "Please, look into this, Guanabacoa government, before more tragedies occur."
Another local, Wilhems Concepción Bejerano, recounted that the collapsed building was near the El Iris bakery, opposite the so-called Casa de las Cadenas, which also collapsed. Several internet users reacted to the posts, asserting that "at any moment, the Casa de las Cadenas will collapse, and everyone around it will be crushed. It will end up falling on the bakery and on the people waiting in line and the vendors standing there," said a woman familiar with the Havana neighborhood.
Another responder noted that the disaster would have been worse if the collapse had occurred "on a Sunday when the bakery line forms on that same sidewalk. The worst part is that they don't let us speak out; but this has left me very distressed because they shouldn't have waited for a death to happen," she emphasized.
Building collapses in Havana have become frequent amid a deteriorating housing heritage. However, authorities rarely publish the total number of victims caused by these collapses.
Understanding the Guanabacoa Building Collapse
This section addresses some frequently asked questions regarding the building collapse in Guanabacoa and the broader issue of deteriorating infrastructure in Havana.
What caused the building collapse in Guanabacoa?
The collapse was attributed to the severe deterioration of the building's structure, which residents believe was due to negligence by local authorities.
How often do building collapses occur in Havana?
Building collapses have become increasingly frequent in Havana due to the aging and poorly maintained housing stock.
What actions are being taken to prevent future collapses?
Residents are urging the government to address the poor condition of buildings urgently to prevent further tragedies. However, the response from authorities remains inadequate according to many locals.