Additional details have surfaced regarding the tragic fire that struck the La Borla neighborhood in Camagüey on Tuesday, aiming to shed light on the causes behind the explosion of two electric scooters that led to a woman's death. The blaze erupted around 12:30 PM at a residence on Avenida de los Mártires, where a couple had left their scooters charging indoors during a power outage.
Initial reports suggested the explosion occurred after electricity was restored. However, official sources claim that there was still no power when the fire broke out, dismissing the possibility of an overvoltage surge. The disaster claimed the life of a woman who couldn't escape the inferno, while her husband managed to survive.
Community's Frustration with Emergency Response
Residents expressed outrage over the firefighters' delayed response, which took over 30 minutes, criticizing the emergency services for what they perceived as an inefficient and slow reaction. Despite their attempts to extinguish the flames with makeshift means, the community's efforts were in vain.
Heroic Actions Amidst Chaos
In stark contrast, official narratives praised a young Ministry of the Interior (MININT) officer for his crucial role in the midst of the chaos, asserting that the firefighters arrived promptly. Captain Reinier Gimeno Muñoz, a young MININT officer, was reportedly passing by when the fire broke out and didn't hesitate to intervene.
"Reinier broke down the door's grille, retrieved extinguishers from a nearby shop, and entered the home without protective gear. He managed to extinguish one of the scooters and prevent the flames from reaching the second floor," recounted the Facebook profile "Yaliesky Rivero."
The captain also assisted in rescuing the man who had sought refuge upstairs, risking his own life to prevent further casualties. His uniform was ruined, and his boots melted from the heat, an act described as going "beyond the call of duty."
Underlying Issues and Safety Concerns
Despite the individual acts of heroism, the incident highlights the ongoing dangers of using lithium batteries in unsafe domestic conditions, exacerbated by frequent power outages, the instability of the electrical grid, and the limited emergency response capabilities in Cuba.
Understanding the Camagüey Fire Incident
What caused the fire in Camagüey?
The fire was caused by the explosion of two electric scooters charging indoors during a power outage.
How did the community respond to the fire?
Residents attempted to extinguish the fire with improvised means but were ultimately unsuccessful in containing the flames.
Who played a key role during the fire emergency?
Captain Reinier Gimeno Muñoz, a MININT officer, played a significant role by intervening and assisting in rescue efforts during the fire.