Former Cuban Firefighter Reflects on Matanzas Supertanker Base Disaster: "The Worst Day of Our Lives"

On Wednesday, former Cuban firefighter Juanky Yane took to social media to recall a profoundly tragic incident in the country's recent history—the explosion and fire at the Matanzas Supertanker Base, which claimed the lives of 17 individuals. Three years after the catastrophe that left numerous families in mourning, Yane's testimony deeply resonated with thousands of Cubans, bringing to light the unhealed wounds of a tragedy overshadowed by pain, lack of preparation, and unaccounted responsibilities.

"Three years ago, I was given a second chance at life. God allowed me to stay with my loved ones. My burns still ache, but the loss of my firefighting brothers hurts even more," Yane shared, tagging his post with #BomberosPorSiempre (Firefighters Forever).

A Day Marked by Tragedy

On August 5, 2022, Juanky Yane, along with his fellow firefighters Frank Lorenzo Acosta Ferrer, Josvel Pichs, and Vladimir Zayas, set out for the industrial zone of Matanzas, unaware that this day would forever be remembered as "the worst day of our lives." Yane recalled the terrifying scene upon their arrival at the Supertanker Base. They worked tirelessly until 5 a.m. when the explosion occurred, resulting in the loss of more than just a colleague, but a brother.

Yane was among the survivors who endured injuries from the inferno. In his post, he recounted the screams, burns, and the sight of his comrades receiving medical care, with some fighting for their lives. Although he no longer serves in the Fire Department, Yane's spirit remains clad in uniform, and his heart continues to mourn the victims.

Official Remembrance and Public Outrage

In tandem with Yane's heartfelt tribute, Matanzas authorities held an official ceremony at a plaza established as a monument in the Industrial Zone. The event featured floral offerings, a roll call, speeches, and a photo exhibition titled "Memories of Fire" to honor the 17 deceased, many of whom were young conscripts performing mandatory military service and had been sent to the disaster zone without proper training for large-scale fires.

Despite the flags and cameras, public outrage persists. Families of the deceased, like the grandmother of Leo Alejandro Doval Pérez de Prado, a 19-year-old recruit with just 15 days of training, continue to demand accountability. "Who is responsible for sending those kids there?" the grandmother questioned, clutching her grandson's portrait.

The fire was attributed to a lightning strike on a tank holding 40,000 gallons of fuel at the Matanzas refinery. However, the circumstances that allowed the fire to spread—lack of equipment, untrained youths exposed to danger, absence of protocols, and hasty decisions—remain publicly unaddressed. The Ministry of the Interior, Armed Forces, Civil Defense, and Communist Party, directly responsible for the operation and sending those young individuals to the front lines, have yet to be held accountable.

Unanswered Questions and Future Measures

The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced that rebuilding the four destroyed tanks is underway, featuring new safety measures such as geodesic domes and lightning protection systems. However, the project, slated for completion in 2026, does not address the urgent call for truth, reparation, and justice for the victims and their families.

"They will never be forgotten. In the end, those who grieve remain at home; others remember you, and for some, you're merely history," Juanky Yane concluded in his poignant post.