In the early hours of Tuesday, four Cuban nationals tragically lost their lives in a fire that broke out at an unregistered hostel operating within a residential building in Balashikha, a town in the Moscow region. This incident has plunged their families in Cuba into a state of grief, silence, and uncertainty.
The blaze ignited at approximately 4:40 a.m. local time in a three-story building located in the Zvorkino neighborhood, roughly 15 kilometers east of Moscow's center. Emergency services discovered the bodies of two men and two women, all identified as Cuban citizens, as confirmed by investigators cited by the EFE news agency.
In addition to the fatalities, six others sustained injuries, including a 15-year-old who was hospitalized for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
The fire, which damaged an area of about 35 square meters, originated on the second floor of the building and was subdued by firefighters after nearly an hour of effort.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire started when residents lit flames to keep warm after the electricity was cut off due to unpaid bills, amid the harsh Russian winter.
Russian authorities have deemed the hostel illegal, as it was unregistered and tenants did not have rental agreements. The building's owner, according to official sources, resides in London.
While investigations in Russia continue to unravel how the victims ended up at the location and under what conditions they were living, the tragedy echoes in Cuba with heart-wrenching impact.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported that among the deceased are at least three Cubans from Ciego de Ávila. They have been identified as Yadisley de Arma Aguilera, Aris Gonzales, and Liaro Arpajón Otaño. The identity of a fourth individual remains unconfirmed.
The lack of clear information has left families in a state of desperate waiting. “Imagine… shattered, broken, without strength. I'm going crazy. I just pray it isn't true,” expressed Idania Otaño, mother of one of the young men involved, in statements collected by Mayeta Labrada.
Currently, there is no definitive documentary confirmation of all the deceased's identities, which prolongs the anguish of their relatives, who have criticized the lack of direct communication from authorities.
The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal investigation to establish accountability and clarify the precise circumstances surrounding the fire.
FAQs About the Moscow Hostel Fire Tragedy
What caused the fire at the Moscow hostel?
The fire is believed to have been caused by residents lighting flames to warm themselves after the electricity was cut off due to unpaid bills.
How many people were affected by the fire?
Four Cuban nationals died, and six others were injured, including a 15-year-old who suffered suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
What actions are being taken by Russian authorities?
The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a criminal investigation to determine responsibility and the exact circumstances of the fire.