A tragic incident occurred on Thursday when a partial roof collapse at a building located at the intersection of San Rafael and Galiano in Central Havana resulted in the death of a Café Boulevard employee. The independent news outlet 14yMedio confirmed the fatality from the scene.
The collapse trapped several individuals within the café on the building's ground floor. Unfortunately, firefighters were unable to save one of the trapped individuals. The upper floors of the building, which serve as a communal living space, have severe structural issues that contributed to Thursday's ceiling collapse onto the workers below.
Witnesses informed the independent media outlet that the deceased was "a young man in his early 30s," either serving as a security guard or working on repairs as a construction worker. The bustling area saw a swift response from fire brigades, ambulances, and rescue teams.
Images shared on social media highlighted the extent of the disaster. Residents have long complained about issues such as leaks and moisture, and the building has been deemed uninhabitable for years, despite the café facade being superficially maintained and painted.
Recent heavy rains have accelerated the collapse of various structures in Havana. Earlier in the week, a five-month-old baby, Neimar Francisco Valdés Pérez, tragically died in Cerro after a wall in his home collapsed and the house flooded during a downpour. Additionally, two individuals from the same area were hospitalized on Tuesday following another partial building collapse.
Key Questions about Building Collapses in Havana
What caused the roof to collapse in Central Havana?
The roof collapse was primarily due to severe structural issues in the building, exacerbated by recent heavy rains, which led to the partial collapse of the ceiling.
How have residents responded to the building's condition?
Residents have long reported problems such as leaks and moisture, and have noted that the building has been declared uninhabitable for years, despite superficial maintenance of the café facade.
What has been the impact of heavy rains on Havana's infrastructure?
The heavy rains have accelerated the collapse of several buildings in Havana, leading to tragic incidents such as the death of a baby and the hospitalization of individuals due to structural failures.