An electric tricycle caught fire inside a residence in Bayamo, located in the Granma province, on Tuesday night. Although the blaze caused significant alarm in the area, no injuries were reported among the occupants of the home or the surrounding neighborhood.
The incident was captured on video by singer and activist Saúl Manuel, who shared it on Facebook. The fire originated from the lithium battery of the tricycle, which was parked on the porch of a house situated on 26 de Julio Street.
At the time of the fire, the residents were at the back of the house but remained unharmed due to the quick response from their neighbors. Several individuals promptly rushed to the scene, moving the vehicle outdoors and attempting to extinguish the flames with buckets of water. Despite their efforts, the flames reignited multiple times, requiring a substantial amount of water to finally cool down the battery.
Eyewitnesses reported that firefighters arrived after the fire had already been subdued. Unfortunately, the tricycle sustained significant damage, as evidenced by the images shared online.
In the comments section of the post, Dalia Aguilar Rodríguez, the granddaughter of the homeowner, confirmed that she and her family were inside when the fire broke out and that everyone is safe.
"My grandparents usually sit right there, next to the tricycle," she mentioned. "Thank God we were all in the back, and thanks to the quick action of our neighbors, everyone is okay."
Vehicle fires involving electric means of transportation, especially motorcycles, are becoming increasingly common in Cuba. This growing trend has led to heightened concern among citizens, prompting authorities to emphasize the importance of safety and proper maintenance.
On the same day, another electric vehicle incident occurred in the Marianao municipality of Havana, where an electric motorcycle caught fire on a public road.
Understanding Electric Vehicle Fires in Cuba
What caused the fire in the Bayamo home?
The fire was caused by the lithium battery of an electric tricycle parked on the porch of a house.
Were there any injuries from the Bayamo tricycle fire?
No, there were no injuries. The residents were at the back of the house and managed to escape unharmed.
How common are electric vehicle fires in Cuba?
Electric vehicle fires, particularly involving motorcycles, are increasingly common in Cuba, raising concerns about safety and maintenance.