A tragic work accident has once again cast a shadow over Cuba's electrical sector. Lineman Cleivi Pujada Castro, employed at the Playa Baracoa Substation, lost his life while working on a 7.8 kV line, part of the 13.2 kV circuit. This was reported by activists and family members on social media. The unfortunate event took place in Bauta, a municipality in the province of Artemisa, where the young man was performing his duties under conditions reportedly lacking proper safety measures.
Up to now, the Union Eléctrica (UNE) authorities and other official institutions have remained silent about the incident. Activist Irma Broek took to Facebook to express both condolences and a warning regarding the risks linemen face: “The workers are constantly exposed to risks due to inadequate protective measures.” Her statement highlights a persistent concern among electrical system employees who work under precarious conditions without sufficient safety equipment.
Family member Liván Pujada confirmed the heartbreaking news through social media, stating, “With great sorrow and sadness, we announce that our beloved Cleivys is no longer with us. He leaves behind his loving wife and two children who will now have to grow up without their father.” A fundraising effort has been launched to provide financial support for his widow, Maikelys, and their children.
Another relative, Jorge Pujada Meléndez, shared an emotional tribute on Facebook: “Life was unfair to you, and death took you by surprise up high. You will live on in our hearts forever because you earned the love, affection, and respect of the entire family.”
Pattern of Danger in Cuban Electrical Work
Pujada Castro's death is part of a troubling series of accidents in the Cuban electrical sector, where linemen endure harsh conditions, including long hours, material shortages, and often a lack of specialized protective gear. These workers play a crucial role in restoring power after outages and weather-related disruptions, a task considered highly risky.
The recent fatalities among linemen in Cuba paint a grim picture. On September 12, 2025, a lineman was severely electrocuted while working on a pole, but quick action by San Miguel del Padrón residents saved his life. Just a year earlier, on August 15, 2024, another young lineman died from an electrical shock during maintenance work in Havana.
That same year saw two additional fatal accidents: one on March 27 in the capital, where a worker died in a workplace disaster, and another on March 13 in Matanzas, where a lineman succumbed a month after falling from an electrical substation. The tragic list continued in 2023, with a worker's death in Villa Clara on October 4 due to electrical shock.
A Persistent Pattern of Tragedy
Earlier incidents date back to November 3, 2022, when a young lineman was killed in Pinar del Río under similar circumstances, underscoring that these occupational hazards are not isolated incidents but part of a frequently recurring pattern. The repeated tragedies across different provinces highlight the vulnerability of electrical workers, who are exposed to unsafe conditions and often lack the necessary protection to safely perform a job that demands the highest technical precision and safety standards.
Understanding the Risks in Cuba's Electrical Sector
What are the main risks faced by linemen in Cuba?
Linemen in Cuba face significant risks due to inadequate protective measures, long working hours, material shortages, and a lack of specialized safety equipment. These factors contribute to a high-risk environment where accidents are more likely to occur.
How has the Cuban government responded to these accidents?
As of now, there has been no public response from the Cuban government or the Union Eléctrica regarding these incidents. The lack of an official stance raises concerns about the commitment to improving safety conditions for workers.
What support is available for the families of affected workers?
In the wake of such tragedies, families often rely on community support and fundraising efforts to provide financial assistance, as seen in the case of Cleivi Pujada Castro’s family.