In the early hours of the morning, a tragic building collapse claimed the lives of three individuals, including a young girl, at a multifamily residence located at Monte 722, between Rastro and Carmen, in the heart of Old Havana. The somber news was disseminated on Saturday morning by the pro-government Facebook page, Ransel Londres.
Prior to the official confirmation of the fatalities, the same source had reported that members of the Fire Department and the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) were working tirelessly at the scene to gain access to the building's interior, where the victims were trapped. Additionally, it was noted that local Party and Government authorities, alongside community leaders and neighbors, had gathered to provide support and coordination during the rescue efforts.
As of the latest update, the identities of those who perished remain undisclosed, and further details regarding the circumstances of the collapse have yet to emerge. This latest disaster underscores the severe deterioration of the housing stock in Havana, especially in historical areas like Centro Habana and Old Havana.
Countless buildings in these areas suffer from structural damage, endangering the families who live with the constant threat of collapse. Meanwhile, the urban landscape starkly contrasts with this grim reality; public investment continues to favor the construction of hotels and large-scale tourist projects, even in neighborhoods where homes crumble due to neglect.
The expansion of hotel infrastructure offers no tangible benefits to local residents, who endure critical living conditions with limited alternatives. Such collapses are not isolated events but rather symptoms of a longstanding structural crisis exacerbated by material shortages, economic decline, and institutional negligence.
Each new collapse results in casualties, displaced families, and further erosion of the social fabric. The incident at Monte 722 adds to a growing list of preventable tragedies, highlighting not only the frailty of the buildings but also the inadequacy of a system that fails to ensure basic housing safety standards.
Understanding the Building Collapse in Old Havana
What caused the building collapse in Old Havana?
The building collapse was a result of severe structural deterioration, common in many historical areas of Havana due to neglect and lack of maintenance.
Who were the victims of the collapse?
The identities of the victims have not been disclosed as of the latest reports.
How does public investment affect housing conditions in Havana?
Public investment in Havana has focused on hotel and tourism infrastructure, often neglecting the maintenance and repair of residential buildings, leading to deteriorating living conditions.