This Thursday, the Cuban regime announced that several high-ranking military officials and local leaders were injured during explosions at the Melones military unit in Holguín. At least 13 individuals, mostly young cadets, are reported missing. According to a report from the state-run newspaper Granma, "numerous high-ranking officials were harmed by the force of the blast. Among them is Alexis Deiggs Gómez, the president of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power, who sustained a forehead laceration from glass shards propelled by the explosion."
Deiggs explained that he, along with General Eugenio Rabilero Aguilera, head of the Eastern Army, and other members of the Municipal Defense Council, were near a burning silo when the shockwave struck them, knocking them to the ground. After receiving medical care, all the injured parties recovered without severe consequences and resumed their duties of overseeing and supporting the evacuees, as highlighted by the newspaper.
Major General Ramón Pardo Guerra, chief of the National Civil Defense Staff, described the incident as a "technological disaster" with causes still under investigation. Eastern Army officials confirmed that no further explosions have been reported since early Wednesday morning, with continuous surveillance being conducted through various means, including drones.
Mass Evacuations and Ongoing Concerns
More than 490 residents from nearby areas have been evacuated, according to Alexander Peña González, president of the Melones Zone Defense Council, one of the evacuated localities. "The alert was issued following the initial severe explosions, starting with the closest villages such as Sao Nuevo, then El Cerro, and Sao Redondo," Peña detailed.
On Tuesday, multiple explosions occurred at the military munitions warehouse in Melones, Holguín, due to a fire during the sorting of outdated ammunition. The blasts have left 13 individuals missing, including military personnel and young recruits, prompting a massive evacuation in the region.
The regime acknowledged the situation remained critical, as explosions continued, complicating access to ground zero and the search for the missing, as of the day before.
Key Questions About the Holguín Explosion
What caused the explosions in Holguín?
The explosions were triggered by a fire in the military munitions warehouse during the sorting of outdated ammunition. The exact causes are still under investigation.
How many people are missing due to the explosion?
At least 13 individuals, including military personnel and young recruits, are reported missing following the explosions.
What measures are being taken following the explosion?
More than 490 residents from nearby areas have been evacuated, and constant surveillance, including the use of drones, is maintained to monitor the situation.