A tragic house fire claimed the life of an elderly bedridden man on Wednesday night in Zaza del Medio, located in Taguasco, Sancti Spíritus. The blaze was sparked by the explosion of an electric scooter. "Please, anyone in Cuba with an electric scooter, do not become complacent and take all necessary precautions," warned social media user Saúl Manuel, who shared a dramatic video capturing the intensity of the flames.
A local Facebook group reported on the aftermath, revealing the home’s devastation following the unfortunate incident. Besides the significant loss of the grandfather, the family lost everything. The same source disclosed that the family includes two children, aged 10 and 12. "They were at home with their mother. The father was at work. The bedridden man passed away," the post detailed.
Residents of Zaza del Medio expressed their sorrow over the loss of Manolo Franco, the deceased, who was well-loved in the neighborhood for his kindness. This tragedy underscores the ongoing dangers associated with using electric scooters in Cuba, especially within homes. The combination of inadequate electrical infrastructure and battery overloading can lead to deadly outcomes.
In recent years, there has been a worrying rise in fires caused by exploding electric scooters in Cuba, many within residential areas. These incidents are often linked to faulty lithium batteries, improper handling, or excessive charging during the night in unstable electrical conditions, lacking adequate safety systems.
The absence of clear regulations and a shortage of certified spare parts have forced many users to resort to makeshift solutions, which frequently end in disaster. Unofficial statistics, drawn from social media and independent media reports, suggest that there have been dozens of severe fires nationwide, some resulting in fatalities.
Despite repeated warnings to exercise extreme caution, explosions continue to occur regularly, impacting both owners and nearby residents. In a setting of energy crisis and limited public transportation, electric scooters have become a vital mode of transport for many Cuban families, intensifying the conflict between necessity and risk.
Electric Scooter Safety in Cuba
What caused the fire in Sancti Spíritus?
The fire was caused by the explosion of an electric scooter within the home, highlighting the risks of using such devices indoors.
Why are electric scooters risky in Cuba?
Electric scooters pose risks in Cuba due to faulty lithium batteries, inadequate handling, and the unstable electrical conditions in homes, which can lead to fires.
How has the community reacted to the fire?
The community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Manolo Franco, a well-loved resident, and has been warned about the dangers of electric scooters.