On Wednesday, local officials in the municipality of Rafael Freyre conveyed a message of solidarity following a devastating explosion at a military warehouse in Melones, Holguín, which has left 13 individuals unaccounted for. Through a statement posted on Facebook, they encouraged the victims’ families and the surrounding community to "keep hope alive" amidst the distress and uncertainty, despite the typically secretive nature of official communication.
"We understand the immense burden of not knowing the whereabouts of your loved ones, and we want you to know that our thoughts and hopes are with you," the statement read.
The message also highlighted the significance of mutual support and collective strength during these challenging times, although it refrained from providing specifics about the missing persons or updates on the site's accessibility following the explosion.
Local authorities reiterated their willingness to offer emotional support and assistance to the families affected by the tragedy: "We urge you to lean on each other and seek comfort in the love of those around you. Together, we can face this adversity and maintain faith," the statement concluded.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, was triggered by a fire as aged munitions were being sorted, according to a report from the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR). The explosions have resulted in 13 individuals missing, including two majors, two second lieutenants, and nine soldiers. As of now, the MINFAR has not officially confirmed any fatalities.
Photos shared on social media after the explosion illustrated the extensive damage, sparking concern throughout the region.
Families of the missing individuals and local residents await the outcomes of the ongoing search efforts and official reports on the incident with bated breath.
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel extended his condolences on Tuesday to the people and government of China for the victims of an earthquake in Tibet before addressing the fire at the MINFAR warehouse in Holguín.
"We express our solidarity with the people, the Party, and the Government of China for the unfortunate loss of human lives and the damage caused by the strong earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Our condolences to the families and friends of the victims," tweeted Díaz-Canel, who is also the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, early in the morning.
It wasn't until nearly midday, over six hours after initial reports of the explosions at the FAR arsenal, that Díaz-Canel made his first public reference to the tragedy in Holguín, expressing his sympathy for "the families of the 13 missing individuals."
"We deeply regret the fire that occurred at a MINFAR warehouse in Melones, Rafael Freyre municipality in Holguín. We stand in solidarity with and support the families of the 13 missing individuals. Full attention is being given to the situation, and the causes are being investigated," the leader stated.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Holguín Explosion Incident
What caused the explosion in Holguín?
The explosion was caused by a fire while aged munitions were being sorted at the military warehouse in Melones, Holguín.
How many people are missing due to the explosion?
Thirteen individuals, including military personnel, are currently missing following the explosion.
Has the Cuban government provided any updates?
The government has expressed its solidarity with the families affected and stated that investigations into the causes are ongoing, but no official confirmation of fatalities has been provided yet.