On Tuesday afternoon, an electrical short circuit in the wiring systems of a building ignited a fire on the third floor of the "La Campiña" housing complex in the Cerro municipality of Havana, as reported by Cubanet. Although no severe injuries or fatalities occurred, the smoke from the fire quickly spread throughout the floor, leading to the evacuation of residents, some of whom exhibited symptoms of asphyxiation.
Images shared by the cited media outlet depicted the harrowing moments experienced by the residents, along with the deployment of firefighters and police amidst the high anticipation of local onlookers. Adding to the misfortune, a police patrol car attempting to serve as an ambulance for a victim suffering from respiratory distress collided with another vehicle, thwarting the rescue effort, according to the independent portal.
Once the firefighters arrived, they managed to extinguish the blaze. In the evening, the electric company began assessing the damages. The affected building is located on Ferrer Street, between Calzada del Cerro and Manila. As of the time of this report, no additional details about the incident have been confirmed. The number of individuals experiencing asphyxiation symptoms remains undisclosed, as does the status of the building's habitability.
This incident is not an isolated case; another fire caused by an electrical short circuit occurred in a Havana building in recent weeks. On June 22nd, the iconic Edificio Girón, located at Malecón and F, suffered a partial fire that prompted a significant response from firefighters in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality. In that instance, the municipal government issued an official statement the day after the event to outline the building's condition, but the document left several questions unanswered regarding the management and lack of transparency surrounding the incident.
Key Concerns and Questions about Recent Fires in Havana
The following questions and answers address important issues related to the recent fires in Havana, including the incident at "La Campiña" and the Edificio Girón.
What caused the fire at "La Campiña" housing complex?
The fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in the building's wiring systems.
Were there any casualties or serious injuries from the fire?
No severe injuries or fatalities were reported, but some residents showed symptoms of asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation.
How did the authorities respond to the fire?
Firefighters and police were deployed to the scene. The fire was eventually extinguished, and the electric company began assessing the damage in the evening.
Have there been other recent fires in Havana?
Yes, on June 22nd, the Edificio Girón suffered a partial fire due to an electrical short circuit, leading to a significant response from firefighters.