In the early hours of Monday, another building collapse struck Havana, this time on Reina Street, nestled between Manrique and San Nicolás. The incident left a 75-year-old woman hospitalized and forced approximately 50 individuals into homelessness, waiting in vain for government intervention.
The collapse occurred around 6:30 a.m. when a room on the third floor gave way, crashing into the floor below. According to eyewitness accounts reported exclusively by CubaNet, 15 families were residing in the building, and now they find themselves on the streets, faced with uncertainty and no official word on their future.
The elderly woman, identified as Magaly, was trapped beneath the rubble of the fallen ceiling. Her neighbors managed to rescue her and transport her to a hospital. "She was in her room when suddenly everything came crashing down. It's a miracle she was pulled out alive," a local resident shared.
Witnesses noted that Centro Havana municipal authorities made a brief appearance but departed without providing any solutions. "Where are they going to send us, to the countryside? I won't go to the countryside because I'll starve. Why can't they send us to the empty Lincoln Hotel?" questioned another elderly resident, expressing her desperation over the looming uncertainty.
The Growing Housing Crisis in Havana
In recent weeks, a series of building collapses have highlighted the dire housing predicament in Havana. Just days ago, a worker at Café Boulevard was killed when part of the ceiling caved in at the bustling corner of San Rafael and Galiano. Meanwhile, in the Cerro municipality, two individuals were injured, one critically, following a partial building collapse on Castillo Street.
In July, three people, including a child, lost their lives in Old Havana when they were trapped under the debris of a building on Monte. In May, another collapse in the same area injured two residents who had long complained about the deteriorating condition of their building but received no response from authorities.
Each incident unfolds in aging structures that crumble, leaving families to lose everything in mere seconds, while officials arrive too late or depart without offering any alternatives.
In a city where neglect has turned homes into hazards, residents of Havana live under the constant fear that their walls might come crashing down.
Havana Building Collapse: Key Questions Answered
What caused the building collapse in Central Havana?
The collapse was caused when a room on the third floor of the building gave way, crashing onto the second floor. The exact cause of the structural failure has not been officially stated, but it reflects the broader issue of neglected maintenance in the city.
How many people were affected by the recent collapse?
Approximately 50 people, including 15 families, were affected by the collapse, losing their homes and being left without a safe place to stay.
What has been the government's response to the housing crisis in Havana?
The government's response has been criticized for being insufficient. In this case, local authorities briefly visited the site but left without offering any concrete solutions or assistance to the displaced families.
What are the broader implications of these collapses in Havana?
These incidents underscore the severe housing crisis in Havana, where many buildings are in disrepair and pose significant risks to their occupants. They highlight the urgent need for comprehensive urban planning and maintenance to prevent future tragedies.