The threat of additional explosions has hindered authorities from accessing the military unit area in the Melones community of Holguín, where a fire occurred, to commence the search for the 13 missing individuals. Joel Queipo Ruiz, the first secretary of the Party in the province, reported that specialized actions are being carried out in a specific zone. However, until the explosions subside, entering the exact location of the incident remains impossible. "It is still not feasible to enter the specific site of the event due to ongoing explosions, albeit with less intensity than previous days, yet still posing a threat to human safety. Once conditions allow, the area will be accessed with all established protective measures," he stated on his Facebook page.
Meanwhile, the only progress is that evacuees have been permitted to return to their homes, which are located at a safe distance from any potential future harm resulting from the accident. "We maintain contact with the families of the missing and keep our people informed," added the official.
Families have expressed frustration, accusing the authorities of inaction in saving their loved ones. "They haven't searched at any time. They told the relatives that it couldn't be done because it might trigger more explosions, and lives couldn't be risked, so they had to wait 72 hours," lamented Jesús Antonio, uncle of the 19-year-old recruit Liander José García Oliva. "They went to the parents' house and communicated that there was no chance of survival, stating that if anyone were alive, they would have tried to escape. It pains me because they were declared dead without being searched for," he added.
Residents of Melones experienced panic and distress on Tuesday when explosions erupted due to a fire in an Army ammunition warehouse. Initially, most people chose to stay in their homes, but soon realized fleeing was the safest option. Videos shared on social media captured the fear and dismay of the community as the blasts were heard, with no one knowing the cause. People evacuated their houses, running and calling out to each other.
"Calm down, woman, calm down!" a man urged his wife, who was hurrying down the road several meters ahead. "Oh, I can't," she replied, her voice filled with anguish. "Oh my God! Let's all go, let's get out of here!" cried another alarmed woman.
Hours after the incident, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) confirmed that 13 individuals are missing: four officers and nine soldiers, whom many now presume dead. The tragic event was initiated by a fire during the sorting of aged ammunition.
Key Questions about the Melones Military Incident
What is preventing authorities from entering the military unit area in Melones?
Authorities are unable to enter due to the ongoing risk of further explosions, which pose a threat to human safety.
How are families of the missing individuals reacting to the situation?
Families are expressing frustration and accusing authorities of inaction, feeling that their loved ones have been prematurely declared dead without a search being conducted.
What caused the tragic incident at the Melones military unit?
The incident was caused by a fire that broke out while sorting aged ammunition in an Army ammunition warehouse.