On Wednesday night, an unexpected collapse rattled the Cuban capital when the balconies of a residential building on Laguna Street 204, nestled between Lealtad and Perseverancia in San Leopoldo, Central Havana, suddenly gave way. The incident occurred around 11:00 pm as the balcony on the second floor collapsed, taking the first-floor balcony down with it. By sheer luck, no one was underneath at the time, averting a potential tragedy.
The residents expressed relief that the collapse happened at night when the sidewalk was deserted, without children playing or people sitting and chatting, as is common during the day. A video shared by CubaNet revealed debris scattered across the street hours after the accident, with no authorities present to clear the rubble or assess the building's safety.
More Than Just a Single Event
This collapse is symptomatic of a broader crisis, reflecting Cuba's chronic housing issues and the government's neglect. In recent days, Havana has witnessed multiple building failures in neighborhoods such as Cerro, Regla, and other parts of Central Havana, some resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.
On Tuesday, a partial collapse on Castillo 216 in the Cerro district left two people hospitalized, one in critical condition. A distressing incident occurred on Monday in Regla, where a nine-year-old girl was trapped under debris alongside her mother and several neighbors, with firefighters failing to respond despite urgent calls for help. Just hours earlier, a five-month-old baby tragically died when a wall of his home collapsed, and rainwater swept him from his mother's arms.
Neglect and Inaction
Another recent report from Central Havana involved a building on Mercado Street 79, long deemed "uninhabitable and irreparable," where a wall collapse trapped an elderly man and his 10-year-old son. Housing officials simply told residents to demolish the wall themselves, citing a lack of resources.
The Cuban government has yet to devise a comprehensive plan for maintenance, prevention, and the relocation of families in danger. With each rainy season, Havana’s streets turn perilous, as moisture, leaks, and structural decay transform many homes into deadly traps.
Social media users have voiced their criticisms. "Meanwhile, they celebrate the birthday of the one responsible for all this disaster," remarked one user, referring to the 99th anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth, which coincided with the string of collapses.
Call for Accountability
Residents of Central Havana and other affected areas consistently point fingers at the state for the lack of maintenance and neglect of infrastructure. Without genuine solutions, they warn, these collapses will continue to claim lives and leave families homeless.
Understanding the Housing Crisis in Cuba
What caused the building balconies to collapse in Central Havana?
The balconies collapsed due to structural failures attributed to chronic neglect and lack of maintenance by the Cuban government.
Have there been recent similar incidents in Havana?
Yes, there have been multiple building collapses in various neighborhoods, including Cerro and Regla, some of which have resulted in severe injuries and fatalities.
How has the Cuban government responded to these incidents?
The government has not yet implemented a comprehensive plan to address maintenance, prevention, and the relocation of families at risk, leading to continued structural failures.
What have residents and social media users said about the collapse?
Residents and social media users have criticized the government for neglecting infrastructure and failing to prevent these disasters, with some blaming the legacy of Fidel Castro for the ongoing crisis.