Firefighters in Guantánamo bravely rescued several individuals from a burning home late Thursday evening following the explosion of an electric motorcycle. According to Carlos Pérez, a social media user associated with Cuban officialdom, the incident occurred on Beneficencia Street, between 3rd and 4th North, in the city of Guantánamo. One person sustained injuries during the fire.
The blaze reportedly began when an electric motorcycle, plugged in for charging, exploded and spread flames throughout the property. Neighbors quoted by Pérez described the chaotic scene. The Fire Brigade responded promptly, successfully evacuating residents through the back of the house. One of the residents, identified as 53-year-old Lujerio Soto Lescay, was transported to the General Teaching Hospital with first and second-degree burns. There have been no further updates on his condition.
"We managed to extract the residents from the burning house through the rear and are continuing efforts with several water tankers until the fire is fully controlled and extinguished," Pérez wrote.
Approximately an hour after firefighting efforts began, the fire was declared extinguished, although firefighters continued cooling the area to prevent a re-ignition. Photos shared on Facebook illustrated the chaos and fear experienced by the neighbors, showing clearly shaken individuals embracing while police and firefighters swarmed the scene.
"Oh yes, what a scare, but thank God it wasn't worse. We pray for my neighbor's quick recovery," commented a local Cuban resident.
This month, several fires have been reported in the independent Cuban press. In Havana's Lawton neighborhood, a blaze in a multi-family building apartment resulted in one serious injury and significant material damage. The homeowner, a candy maker by trade, was admitted to intensive care.
In Santa Clara, another fire left one injured and completely destroyed two homes. The fire erupted in a house in the Caracatey area, and although the cause remains under investigation, the Fire Brigade, alongside the Ministry of the Interior, managed to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby homes.
A short circuit led to a minor fire in a bakery in the Fomento municipality of Sancti Spíritus, which was swiftly extinguished by local firefighters. The incident occurred while bread was being prepared at El Tigre de Oro bakery, located in the northern district. Witnesses told the press that no injuries were reported.
Key Incidents of Fires in Cuba
What caused the fire in Guantánamo?
The fire in Guantánamo was caused by the explosion of an electric motorcycle that was plugged in for charging, spreading flames throughout the house.
How did the firefighters respond to the Guantánamo fire?
Firefighters responded promptly, rescuing residents through the back of the house and working with water tankers to control and extinguish the fire.
Were there any injuries in the Guantánamo fire?
Yes, Lujerio Soto Lescay, a 53-year-old resident, suffered first and second-degree burns and was taken to the hospital.
Have there been other recent fires in Cuba?
Yes, there have been several recent fires in Cuba, including incidents in Havana's Lawton neighborhood and Santa Clara, each causing injuries and property damage.