Tragedy struck in the Regla district of Havana when siblings Andy Casanova, 13, and Keyla Casanova, 16, tragically lost their lives due to a motorcycle battery explosion that ignited a fire as they slept in their home. Sources close to the family revealed that the mishap was likely caused by Keyla charging the battery under the bed she shared with her younger brother, as reported by Irma Broek on her Facebook page.
The battery reportedly belonged to Keyla's boyfriend, who is currently in a critical condition due to injuries sustained during the accident. It is believed that Keyla decided to charge the battery secretly inside their room, unbeknownst to her mother, leading to the catastrophic incident. Other family members also suffered injuries as a result of the fire.
Facebook user "La Tijera" noted that the fatal incident occurred on Saturday morning in Regla. The increasing number of fire incidents linked to electric motorcycles in Cuba has alarmed both the public and the authorities. These events are often attributed to the improper handling of the equipment by citizens, compounded by the scarcity of replacement parts.
Neglect in handling batteries, substandard repairs, and disregard for safety protocols are among the primary causes of such accidents, explained Lieutenant Colonel Jorge García Arbelo, head of the Fire Prevention Technical Unit of the Villa Clara Fire Department, in a Facebook interview with journalist Henry Omar Pérez. García pointed out that many users disregard the manufacturer’s instructions when charging their scooter batteries.
A common and hazardous practice is connecting the batteries to power immediately after use without allowing a cooling period of at least 30 minutes. Additionally, leaving batteries charging overnight, far beyond the recommended 7 or 8 hours, significantly raises the risk of overheating and subsequent fires, emphasized the fire officer.
The expert further highlighted that using long or faulty electrical extensions, prolonged sun exposure, and water contact are additional factors contributing to these accidents. Informal repairs carried out in unauthorized workshops pose another significant risk, often removing safety systems from the batteries, making them prone to catastrophic failures. Meanwhile, the Cuban regime has not established the necessary infrastructure for people to access more reliable services.
FAQs on Electric Motorcycle Battery Safety in Cuba
What are the main causes of electric motorcycle fires in Cuba?
The primary causes include negligence in battery handling, inadequate repairs, ignoring safety protocols, and using damaged or inappropriate charging equipment.
How can battery-related fires be prevented?
Preventive measures include following the manufacturer’s charging instructions, allowing batteries to cool before charging, using appropriate charging equipment, and avoiding overnight charging.
Why is the Cuban regime blamed for these incidents?
The regime is criticized for failing to provide the necessary infrastructure and reliable services for safe battery handling and repairs, compelling citizens to resort to informal and often unsafe solutions.