Tragedy struck Old Havana this Sunday as a building collapse claimed the life of one individual. The incident occurred at 9 a.m. in a structure located at Sol Street #466, between Egido and Villegas, as reported by the Old Havana Administrative Council via Facebook. The official statement noted that the building had been in deteriorating condition for several years and was illegally occupied despite multiple offers of relocation, which were repeatedly declined.
"We deeply regret the loss of life resulting from this incident. Local authorities promptly arrived at the scene and are providing assistance to those affected," the statement concluded.
Spate of Collapses in Havana
This unfortunate event adds to a troubling series of collapses that have recently plagued Havana. In early September, a progressive collapse occurred at Belascoaín #105, leaving numerous families on edge. The lack of immediate official response sparked outrage across social media platforms.
Just days later, a partial collapse on San Lázaro Street, between Oquendo and Márquez González, impacted 14 individuals amidst severe power outages caused by the national electrical system's failure. This collapse took place in a corridor on the first floor of a building deemed irreparable, fortunately resulting in no fatalities but highlighting the government's inadequate response and preventive measures.
Mid-September saw another partial collapse in a building on Industria Street, between San Rafael and San Miguel in Centro Habana, injuring three people, including two minors and one adult. A month earlier, a building at the busy intersection of San Rafael and Galiano collapsed, tragically claiming the life of a Café Boulevard employee. In that incident, the upper floors' roofs fell to the ground level, trapping several individuals beneath the rubble. Nearby residents had long warned that the building was uninhabitable, yet no substantial preventive actions were taken beyond superficial facade repairs.
These incidents form part of a troubling pattern involving century-old homes, plagued by leaks, humidity, weather damage, and overcrowding, left neglected by the government.
Understanding Building Collapses in Havana
What caused the building to collapse in Old Havana?
The building collapse in Old Havana was attributed to its long-term deteriorating condition, which had been neglected for years. Despite being declared unsafe, it was illegally occupied, and previous offers for relocation were declined.
Are building collapses common in Havana?
Yes, building collapses have become increasingly common in Havana, largely due to the age and neglect of the city's infrastructure. Many buildings suffer from structural damage exacerbated by leaks, weather conditions, and overpopulation.
What measures are being taken to prevent future incidents?
There appears to be a lack of effective governmental response or preventive measures to address the root causes of building collapses in Havana. Residents have reported that actions taken are minimal, often limited to cosmetic repairs.