Residents of Matanzas paid tribute this Monday to those who lost their lives in the fire at the Supertanker Base on the second anniversary of the tragedy, which claimed 17 lives, many of them young people.
For the second consecutive year, the ceremony took place in front of the Enrique Estrada Firefighters Museum, with some family members of the victims in attendance. A total of 17 bell tolls, the blaring of fire truck sirens, and the notes of the national anthem preceded the roll call of the deceased, whose photos were displayed at the entrance of the venue.
“Today we reaffirm the oath made a year ago in this very place to never relent in our commitment to be more professional, to be increasingly prepared for any contingency, and to never fail the people to whom we owe our duty,” stated José Antonio Esnard Viciedo, a rescue technician.
In addition to the victims' families, the ceremony was attended by Major General Víctor Rojo Ramos, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and head of the Political Directorate of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR); and Major General Ricardo Riger Tejeda, head of the Central Army. Mario Sabines Lorenzo, PCC first secretary in Matanzas; Lázaro Suárez Navarro, vice-governor of the province; and other political and governmental leaders were also present, according to local press reports.
As part of the homage, the book "Entre fuegos. Bomberos de Matanzas", published by Editorial Capitán San Luis, was presented, and the exhibition “Con la sal a cuesta” by photographer Ernesto Cruz was inaugurated.
Besides the ceremony in front of the Firefighters Museum, a floral offering was also placed at the Pantheon to the Fallen of the Defense in San Carlos Borromeo Cemetery. “For them, our profound tribute,” wrote Prime Minister Manuel Marrero on X, while Díaz-Canel overlooked the date.
Last Friday, Fire Command 3 of Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport had already paid tribute to the deceased.
The Tragedy
The fire at the Supertanker Base, where crude oil from the largest refinery in the Bay of Matanzas is stored, was reportedly caused by an electrical discharge on a fuel tank holding 40,000 gallons of fuel.
In the early hours of the next day, while a group of firefighters and support personnel tried to cool a nearby tank, a sudden change in wind direction caused it to ignite, resulting in the deaths of those nearby.
Seventeen people died: Adriano Rodríguez Gutiérrez, Andy Mitchel Ramos Sotolongo, Areskys Quintero Orta, Diosdel Nazco Vargas, Fabián Naranjo Núñez, Leo Alejandro Doval Pérez de Prado, Luis Ángel Álvarez Leyva, Luis Raúl Aguilar Zamora, Michel Rodríguez Román, Osley Marante Guerra, Osmani Blasco Sosa, Pablo Ángel López Martell, Raciel Alonso Martínez, and Rolando Oviedo Sosa.
The flames destroyed four crude oil tanks, caused 17 fatalities, and injured over a hundred people. Material losses were estimated at $66 million. Four of the deceased were military recruits aged between 19 and 24.
Several family members of the victims questioned why these young recruits were sent to the danger zone without sufficient experience. “Who will take responsibility for sending those children there?” questioned the grandmother of the youngest firefighter, recruit Leo Alejandro Doval Pérez de Prado, who was only 19 at the time of the tragedy and had received just 15 days of training to become a firefighter.
FAQs About the Supertanker Base Fire Tragedy
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the tragic fire at the Supertanker Base, providing key insights and information.
What caused the Supertanker Base fire in Matanzas?
The fire was reportedly caused by an electrical discharge on a fuel tank holding 40,000 gallons of fuel.
How many people lost their lives in the fire?
A total of 17 people died in the fire.
Who attended the tribute ceremony?
The ceremony was attended by family members of the victims, high-ranking officials from the Communist Party of Cuba, the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and local political and governmental leaders.