Recently, social media has been flooded with images depicting the aftermath of the severe accident at the Cienfuegos cement factory that occurred on Tuesday, resulting in one fatality and five injuries, three of whom are in critical condition.
Crime reporter Niover Licea shared an initial video on Instagram showing the moments following the collapse of the hopper containing chemical material. The video, apparently filmed by minors, captured a conversation where one expressed a desire to get closer to the scene, while the other warned against it, saying it was too dangerous because "that thing exploded," referring to the collapse.
A second video, recorded through a fence, showed the deceased worker's body being transported face down on a forklift to where the ambulances were stationed.
Warning: Sensitive Images
A third, more sensitive video has also surfaced—this one evidently filmed inside the factory—showing workers retrieving the body and placing it on the forklift. The footage reveals that the rescue workers were not wearing masks or any special clothing despite being in direct contact with a material that healthcare professionals treating the injured described as "contaminant."
Analyst and writer Juan Juan Almeida, who shared the video on his Facebook profile, defended its dissemination despite some calling it insensitive to the victim's family and requesting its removal from social media.
"There's nothing more human than the search for victims, rescue, and cleanup efforts. Or not? Explain to me one reason why you think it's wrong. No identities are revealed; only people cleaning and helping are seen—perhaps irresponsibly due to lack of proper equipment, but they do it in solidarity. What's wrong or sinful about it?" argued Almeida.
"They have families, but the dictatorship has no heart! The rescuers are without the most basic protective measures, inhaling dust," remarked a commenter, a sentiment echoed by many other internet users who emphasized the need to advocate for worker protection in Cuba.
What Happened at the Cement Factory?
Ernesto Gálvez, Director of Production at the Cienfuegos cement factory, explained to the official press that the incident occurred after the collapse of a hopper, causing a spill of extremely hot material, which inflicted severe burns on the injured workers.
Gálvez noted that the causes of the collapse are still under investigation. He also mentioned that due to safety concerns and the high temperature of the spilled material, debris removal was not scheduled until Wednesday morning, the day after the accident.
Four workers remain hospitalized, as one was discharged on Thursday. Of those still admitted, Dionel Figueroa Calunga, 52, has 70% of his body burned and is in critical condition. Another worker is in very serious condition, one is seriously injured, and a third has burns on only 12% of his body. The deceased was identified as Raymundo Narciso Sarría, 61, who worked as an electrician for the Empresa de Construcciones Ingenieras No. 6 (Ecoing-6).
Workplace Accidents in Cuba
Work-related fatalities in Cuba increased in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, despite a 3.8% reduction in the total number of incidents during the same timeframe.
While the absolute number of fatalities increased by only two—25 this year versus 23 in 2023—the percentage increase was 8.7%.
The report titled Work Protection. Selected Indicators, published this Monday by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), detailed that 851 workplace accidents were recorded between January and June this year, 34 fewer incidents compared to the 885 reported during the same period in 2023.
The sectors most affected by fatalities were Transportation, Storage, and Communications with six deaths; Agriculture, Livestock, Hunting, and Forestry with four deaths; and Manufacturing Industries, Electricity, Gas and Water Supply, and Commerce, each with three deaths.
In May, the ONEI reported that the number of workplace accidents in 2023 had decreased compared to 2022, although the number of fatalities remained unchanged.
Last year concluded with a total of 1,491 workplace accidents, representing a 10.6% decrease compared to the previous year.
FAQs on the Cienfuegos Cement Factory Accident
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers related to the tragic accident at the Cienfuegos cement factory and workplace safety in Cuba.
What caused the accident at the Cienfuegos cement factory?
The accident was caused by the collapse of a hopper that resulted in a spill of extremely hot material, leading to severe burns for the injured workers.
How many people were injured in the accident?
The accident resulted in five injuries, three of whom are in critical condition, and one fatality.
Who was the deceased worker identified as?
The deceased worker was identified as Raymundo Narciso Sarría, a 61-year-old electrician for the Empresa de Construcciones Ingenieras No. 6 (Ecoing-6).