A tragic fire in the early hours of Sunday morning has left the residents of San Antonio Street, in the heart of Santiago de Cuba's historic district, in shock. In a heroic yet heartbreaking act, Donald Yordan Sánchez, a local resident, lost his life trying to rescue his mother and wife from the flames that engulfed their home during a power outage.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared news of the incident on Facebook, providing details of the fire that occurred between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. in an area frequently plagued by extended electricity cuts. According to neighbors, Sánchez was handling gasoline between two containers when, due to the lack of power, he kept a candle burning nearby. A single spark or spilled drop was enough to ignite a rapid spread of fire through the house.
In a desperate attempt, Sánchez managed to help his mother and wife escape, although his mother suffered visible burns on her face and other parts of her body. Tragically, Sánchez himself could not get out in time. He sought refuge in the bathroom but succumbed to smoke inhalation and severe burns, as reported by Mayeta on social media.
"We lost a good young man," a neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, mourned. "It was an act of love that took his life." The journalist highlighted that investigators from the Ministry of the Interior and law enforcement were examining the scene.
The Growing Threat of Power Outage-Related Fires
The disaster in Santiago de Cuba is not an isolated incident. Many Cuban families have experienced similar tragedies, such as an elderly man who perished in a fire near the Cuatro Caminos market in Havana. In that instance, a candle left burning during a blackout was believed to have sparked the blaze.
Similarly, another tragic event occurred in Sancti Spíritus, where an 82-year-old man died in a fire while sleeping. The house was without electricity, and an exposed flame is thought to have ignited the fatal fire. These events highlight the deadly consequences of prolonged power outages and the reliance on alternative lighting methods throughout the country.
Recently, a large fire was caused by a child playing with a box of matches and a solar lamp in central Cuba. The fire, which broke out in a multi-family dwelling, spread quickly and caused significant material damage, according to official reports. Authorities attributed the accident to reckless handling of heat sources within homes, renewing concerns about domestic conditions under extended power cuts.
Understanding the Impact of Power Outages on Fire Incidents in Cuba
What caused the tragic fire in Santiago de Cuba?
The fire was caused by a spark or spilled gasoline igniting near a candle that was being used due to a power outage.
How are power outages contributing to fire incidents in Cuba?
Prolonged power outages lead residents to use candles and other alternative lighting methods, which can easily start fires if not handled carefully.
What steps can be taken to prevent such tragedies?
Residents should ensure safe handling of candles and other heat sources, and seek safer lighting alternatives during power outages. Public awareness campaigns could also help reduce these risks.