The partial collapse of a building on Industria Street, between San Rafael and San Miguel, in Centro Habana this week has been attributed to the failure of an elevator component located on the rooftop. The incident impacted the seventh and eighth floors, resulting in injuries to three individuals: one adult and two children. Official sources confirmed that the injured were taken to Calixto García General Hospital and Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital for treatment.
According to a statement from the Municipal Assembly of People's Power in Centro Habana, political and government officials promptly arrived at the scene. Specialists assessed the situation and evacuated the remaining residents as a precautionary measure. The statement highlighted the collective effort, noting, "Residents, authorities, and specialists have demonstrated cooperation, discipline, and willingness to assist in the incident area," emphasizing the coordinated response following the accident.
Construction crews and specialized forces are actively involved in the recovery of material assets and the structural stabilization of the building. It remains uncertain whether the structure will be deemed uninhabitable. Initially released images by CAM Centro Habana—subsequently removed—revealed the building's interior with collapsed walls, supported structures, deep cracks, and debris over furniture. Residents had previously warned of the evident structural deterioration before the collapse.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of similar collapses in Centro Habana in recent weeks. On San Lázaro Street, between Oquendo and Márquez González, a corridor collapse affected 14 people amid widespread power outages. At the corner of Belascoaín and San Miguel, a dilapidated building has been accumulating garbage and structural decay for years without any preventive measures or official intervention, posing a clear risk to pedestrians and residents.
In the same area, families have reported ongoing collapses at Belascoaín #105, where part of the structure gave way. Residents claim that authorities have not provided concrete answers or relocation solutions. Another emergency in mid-August occurred on Reina Street when a third-floor room collapsed, hospitalizing a 75-year-old woman and leaving about fifty people homeless, still awaiting a government response.
These events underscore a concerning pattern: ancient homes, many over a century old, are collapsing due to neglect, humidity, overcrowding, and institutional abandonment. While investments prioritize hotels and tourism projects, thousands of Havana families live under roofs that might crumble at any moment. Collapses have become a common feature of a city falling apart.
Understanding the Building Collapses in Havana
What caused the building collapse on Industria Street?
The collapse was caused by the failure of an elevator component located on the building's rooftop, affecting the seventh and eighth floors.
How many people were injured in the Centro Habana collapse?
Three people were injured in the collapse, including one adult and two minors.
What actions have authorities taken following the collapse?
Authorities evacuated remaining residents as a precaution, and construction crews are working on material recovery and structural stabilization.
What is the broader context of building collapses in Havana?
Many ancient buildings in Havana are collapsing due to neglect, humidity, overcrowding, and lack of government intervention, with a focus on tourism over residential safety.