A young employee of Cuba's Electric Company experienced a severe electric shock on Friday while addressing a malfunction on Pepe Prieto Street in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana. According to La Tijera's Facebook page and confirmed by locals in the comments, witnesses described the worker convulsing and vomiting following the incident.
The most distressing aspect, as reported by the community, was the immediate absence of firefighters despite their calls for help. In a desperate bid, residents risked their own lives to lower the worker from the pole and transport him to the nearest hospital in a private vehicle, ultimately saving his life.
The lineman had been requesting to leave his job for over three months, a request denied by the company due to "a shortage of personnel to fill his position," as reported by La Tijera. This refusal left him stuck in a high-risk job without adequate safety measures.
It was only after a prolonged delay that colleagues from the Electric Company arrived, who, according to authorities, should have been the first responders and coordinated with Rescue and Salvage teams. This delay once again highlighted the inefficiencies in Cuba's emergency response protocols.
The incident has sparked outrage within the community, highlighting the precarious conditions of the system and the lack of protection for both workers and citizens. What could have easily turned into a tragedy reveals the persistent institutional negligence and abandonment faced by those maintaining a crumbling electrical infrastructure.
The young man's life remains in jeopardy, and his health condition is concerning. Neighbors and family members are requesting prayers for his recovery while demanding accountability for what they believe was a preventable incident. So far, authorities have remained silent on the matter.
Just a year ago, another young lineman from Havana's Electric Company was electrocuted while working on a pole in Punta Brava, La Lisa. The incident occurred on 28th Street, between 251 and 253. A local resident captured images of the young man, identified as Pedrito, hanging unconscious among high-tension wires.
After the community reported a transformer malfunction around 2 PM, electric company workers did not arrive until 10 PM. The young man was eventually rescued by firefighters and taken to a clinic but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward due to their severity.
FAQs on Electric Worker Safety in Cuba
What caused the delay in emergency response in Havana?
The delay was due to inefficiencies in the emergency response protocols, as highlighted by the late arrival of both the electric company workers and firefighters.
How are residents reacting to the incident?
Residents are outraged by the lack of immediate response and the ongoing neglect of safety protocols, demanding accountability and better protection for workers.
What happened to the lineman after the accident?
Community members managed to save the lineman by taking him to the nearest hospital in a private car, where his condition remains critical.