An explosion involving an electric scooter at a residence in Santiago de Cuba on Wednesday set off a fire, and despite immediate calls for help, firefighters took at least 30 minutes to arrive.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta reported on Facebook that the incident occurred at 2:00 PM on Pedrera Street, between 6th and 7th, in the Flores neighborhood. A neighbor criticized the firefighters for their delay: “They took a long time, and those who were the farthest away arrived. If it had been worse, we wouldn't be here to tell the story.”
The complainant mentioned Fire Station #4, noting that it is one of the farthest fire stations from the scene of the incident. “They managed to open and control the fire that had already consumed the scooter,” she added.
A resident of the house where the fire occurred recounted that they were sitting on the porch when they heard the explosion. “We heard an explosion coming from the garage and ran outside because flames started coming out,” she said.
She explained that neighbors carried out small children while trying to douse the flames with water. However, they couldn't reach the fire as it was inside the garage, which had to be opened from the inside.
The owner of the electric scooter clarified to journalist Mayeta that only her vehicle had exploded, dismissing rumors that included her brother-in-law’s scooter. “It wasn’t connected to the electricity, and there was no power at that time,” she emphasized.
“This scare, which I haven't recovered from, serves as a lesson. I won’t have another device like this in my house, and I thank God we are alive,” she stated.
Incidents caused by electric scooter fires are frequent in Cuba.
Last June, a couple and their 21-year-old son died in Havana after a fire broke out in their home, allegedly triggered by the explosion of an electric scooter. Witnesses claimed that Fire Station #8, located less than a kilometer away, took 45 minutes to arrive and extinguish the blaze.
Last Saturday, at least four scooters parked in a private garage in the Micro 9 neighborhood of the José Martí District in Santiago de Cuba were incinerated after a fire broke out in one of them, spreading to the others nearby. Independent journalist Mayeta reported this on his social media, specifying that the garage was primarily used for parking electric scooters.
Fire Response Times and Safety Concerns in Cuba
This section addresses common questions and concerns about fire response times and safety in Cuba, particularly in relation to electric scooter incidents.
Why did the firefighters take so long to respond?
The delay was attributed to the distance of Fire Station #4 from the incident location. Residents have criticized the inefficiency and slow response times of emergency services in Cuba.
Are electric scooter fires common in Cuba?
Yes, incidents involving electric scooter fires are relatively common in Cuba, often resulting in significant property damage and even fatalities.
How can residents prevent electric scooter fires?
Residents are advised to avoid overcharging their scooters, ensure proper maintenance, and store them away from flammable materials. It’s also important not to leave them plugged in for extended periods.