On the evening of Monday, October 20, a concrete electric pole unexpectedly toppled at the busy intersection of Carnicería Street, between Callejón del Carmen and Enramadas, right in the heart of Santiago de Cuba. The incident resulted in downed power and telecommunications lines, leaving numerous homes without electricity and disrupting ETECSA services, as reported by communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on Facebook.
Local residents have long expressed concerns about the deteriorating condition of the pole, which had been visibly leaning for months. Despite multiple warnings, authorities failed to take preventive measures. "It was obvious this would happen. We reported it several times, but no one showed up," voiced an outraged local.
Witnesses noted that the base of the pole had noticeable cracks and signs of structural wear. A neighbor lamented on social media, as shared by MINSAP official Aris Arias Batalla, "This accident could have been prevented with timely action."
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities occurred, but the material damage was significant, impacting cables, transformers, and part of the street's infrastructure. Locals have criticized the institutional negligence and lack of maintenance of the electrical system, which has not only caused prolonged blackouts in recent months but now poses a physical threat to the community.
As of Tuesday morning, the area had not been secured by local authorities, and fallen cables continued to block pedestrian and vehicular access. "What was once just a pole replacement now requires new transformers, connectors, and more resources. All because things weren't done in time. Who will bear the cost now?" questioned Arias Batalla, reflecting the widespread frustration.
Residents are demanding immediate action from the Electric Company and ETECSA to mitigate the risk and restore services. "It's better to be safe than sorry," agreed those affected, fearing that luck might not be on their side next time.
Community Concerns Over Electrical Infrastructure
What caused the electric pole to collapse in Santiago de Cuba?
The collapse was due to the pole's evident deterioration and structural damage, which had been reported by residents but ignored by authorities.
Were there any injuries reported from the incident?
No injuries or fatalities were reported, although there was significant material damage.
How have the residents responded to the incident?
Residents have criticized the negligence of local authorities and are demanding immediate corrective actions to ensure safety and service restoration.