The four workers still hospitalized at the Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Hospital in Cienfuegos are continuing their recovery following a material spill in one of the hoppers at the local cement factory. However, one remains in critical condition.
"Given the number of days they have been here, which is now the fourth day, their burns and injuries are stable," said Dr. Josefa Castellanos Alfonso, a specialist in Second Degree Burns and Plastic Surgery, in an interview with the state-run Canal Caribe. She emphasized the need for increased vigilance over the critically ill patient, noting, "We are a bit reserved with him because he could develop complications at any moment. So far, he hasn't, and he remains stable."
Francisco Díaz Urquiza, 60, who is reported to be in very serious condition with 24% burns, expressed his gratitude for the medical care he has received and for the support from his coworkers. "We can't ask for more from the medical team and our families. I'm grateful we have a strong medical team to rely on, and my coworkers come to visit when they can," he told the state media outlet.
Dionel Figueroa Calunga, 52, is the critically injured patient with 70% body burns.
On Wednesday, the fifth injured worker, Alexei Aguilar Valdés, 53, was discharged from the hospital. He had burns on 5% of his body and was able to return home after receiving treatment.
Several coworkers of the injured workers have donated blood in recent days due to the shortage in Cuban hospitals. "We have needed some blood products, but the response from the coworkers has been very good. The patients know this because we've told them, and it has made them very happy," emphasized Dr. Soraya Izaguirre Hernández, head of the burn unit at Gustavo Aldereguía Hospital, in a previous report.
The accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the Carlos Marx Cement Factory in Cienfuegos, resulting in one worker's death, five injuries, and three others trapped. The explosion caused a hopper to fall, trapping the workers until firefighters rescued them.
The deceased worker was identified as Raymundo Narciso Sarría, 61, an electrician with the Company of Engineering Constructions No. 6 (Ecoing-6).
Ernesto Gálvez, the Production Director of the Cienfuegos cement factory, explained that "at 2:05 p.m., the flour hopper [sic] of the electrofilter at kiln three collapsed. This collapse caused a spill of hot flour, which led to the accident." He also clarified that there was no explosion of a boiler. "We are still investigating the cause of the hopper's collapse," he added.
Common Questions About the Cement Factory Accident in Cienfuegos
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the recent accident at the Carlos Marx Cement Factory in Cienfuegos, Cuba.
What caused the accident at the Carlos Marx Cement Factory?
The accident was caused by the collapse of a hopper in the electrofilter at kiln three, which resulted in a spill of hot flour.
How many workers were injured in the accident?
Five workers were injured in the accident, with one later being discharged from the hospital, and three others were trapped and subsequently rescued.
What is the condition of the injured workers?
One worker remains in critical condition with 70% burns, another is in very serious condition with 24% burns, and the others are stable or have been discharged.