Leonel Figueroa Carunga, one of the four workers injured in the August accident at the Carlos Marx cement factory in Cienfuegos, is on the path to recovery at the Hospital Provincial Gustavo Aldereguía Lima. He suffered severe burns covering over 70% of his body. After arriving in an extremely critical condition, Figueroa has been hospitalized for more than 50 days. While he remains in serious condition, his progress has given the medical team renewed hope.
"It's been tough; I arrived in a critical state, and I prefer not to dwell on it," Figueroa shared with the local TV station Perlavisión. Dr. Josefa Castellanos, head of the Burn Unit, described Figueroa's case as one of the most challenging they've encountered in years. "Leonel has faced numerous hurdles," she noted, emphasizing the intensive team effort involved. "Treatments have been administered under anesthesia," she explained. "Leonel is still in a critical condition as his body surface area affected exceeds 10 percent. His recovery now hinges on his psychological state and nutritional intake."
The accident occurred when a hopper collapsed at the factory, causing Figueroa to sustain serious injuries that required multiple skin grafts and treatment under anesthesia. "Physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions are crucial for Leonel to regain mobility," Castellanos pointed out, adding that the government has ensured the supply of necessary materials and medications for the treatment of all four injured workers.
Another worker, Elmer Rojas Campo, is also receiving treatment for severe burns to his face, hands, and ankles in the same unit. Rojas has already undergone a skin graft on one leg and is scheduled for a second procedure next week to further his recovery.
Out of the four workers injured, two remain hospitalized following the accident in which a hopper of hot flour fell onto them. The incident claimed the life of Raymundo Narciso Sarría, a 61-year-old electrician.
The regime claimed to be investigating the cause of the hopper collapse amid a rise in fatal workplace accidents on the island. According to Ernesto Gálvez, the factory’s Production Director, the severe injuries were due to the spillage of hot flour, ruling out the possibility of an explosion within the facility.