As four days have passed without any definitive answers regarding the whereabouts of the thirteen missing individuals following the devastating fire and explosions at the ammunition depot in Melones, Rafael Freyre, Holguín, the Cuban public is demanding clarity from the authorities. This incident has fueled growing outrage among the families of the victims and social media users alike, who are calling for immediate action amidst the deafening silence from officials.
The missing group includes nine young recruits and four officers of the Armed Forces. Relatives on Facebook have expressed that authorities have shown no genuine commitment to rescuing their loved ones, further deepening their frustration and despair. Among the victims are Major Leonar Palma Matos, Major Carlos Carreño del Rio, Second Subofficers Orlebanis Tamé Torres, and Yoennis Pérez Durán, along with young soldiers Leinier Jorge Sánchez Franco, Frank Antonio Hidalgo Almaguer, Liander José García Oliva, Yunior Hernández Rojas, Rayme Rojas Rojas, Carlos Alejandro Acosta Silva, Brian Lázaro Rojas Long, José Carlos Guerrero García, and Héctor Adrián Batista Zayas.
“It is painful and disheartening to know that 9 boys and 4 officers have been missing for 3 days and 13 hours, without any response or support from the authorities,” a family member wrote on social media. This sense of helplessness is echoed by many who accuse the government of abandoning the victims, citing potential further explosions as an excuse, while failing to make significant efforts to access the disaster's ground zero.
Challenging Conditions Hinder Rescue Efforts
Current conditions at the explosion site remain perilous. Official sources report that temperatures exceed 300 degrees Celsius, posing a threat to rescue operations and the lives of those trapped. Despite this, some family members of the missing have expressed willingness to enter the area on their own if needed, to recover bodies or find survivors.
“We are ready to risk our lives. If they lack the courage to rescue them, let us, the families and friends, enter and search for them. We are tired of empty promises and lies,” stated another relative on social media, as others joined the widespread outcry of desperation.
Lack of Information Fuels Frustration
The dearth of information has been another critical issue in this tragedy. Since the explosion, state media has provided scant details on the progress of rescue efforts. Reports from the Television News and Granma have mainly focused on evacuating nearby residents, without directly addressing the status of the missing or the actions being taken to access the hardest-hit area.
Social media has become an essential platform for denouncing the lack of response from the authorities. “All they tell us is to stay calm, but how can we stay calm when our children, nephews, friends, and brothers are trapped there?” expressed Luis Manuel Driggs, a relative of one of the missing.
The sense of abandonment is evident in every comment from family and friends demanding immediate answers. “They are letting us die. We cannot keep waiting. We need action, not more lies or excuses,” remarked Yusmari Roja, who also has a relative among the missing.
Public Outcry Against Military Service
Internet users also stated, "And the recruits who managed to escape also know the truth. Families investigate, do not leave it to THEM. They are your children and relatives, and life is the only gift we do not receive twice. Let them come forward, it is time. No, it's already late. They have delayed too much." "Not even on NTV have they spoken more about the issue. The people, the desperate families, and the country celebrating Maduro's victory in Venezuela. How much longer?" "I agree with you, they are heartless. They don't have the guts to go in, but they send them to suicide. Let the families and friends enter for our children. I would give my life for Frank and all of them. Down with mandatory military service, we do not want more deaths, we do not want more families destroyed by any irresponsible person," said another.
The incident has reminded many of the fire at the Matanzas supertanker base, where several military recruits were sent to ground zero without experience in handling fires and perished. The Cuban people are increasingly calling for an end to mandatory military service, which claims the lives of several teenagers each year, while the regime continues to defend it.
Key Questions About the Holguín Explosion
What caused the explosion in Holguín?
The explosion occurred in an ammunition depot in Melones, Rafael Freyre, Holguín. However, specific details about what triggered the explosion have not been disclosed by authorities.
Who are the missing individuals?
The missing include nine young recruits and four officers of the Armed Forces. Their names have been shared on social media by their families.
What has been the government's response to the incident?
The government's response has been criticized for lack of transparency and action. There has been limited information from state media about rescue efforts, focusing instead on evacuations.
How have the families of the missing reacted?
Families have expressed frustration and despair over the lack of answers and action. Some have voiced their willingness to enter the dangerous area themselves to find their loved ones.