Residents of Regla municipality reported dense smoke and a suspected fire near Havana Bay this Friday, pinpointing the Ñico López Refinery as the likely source, according to alerts shared on social media.
Citizen reports indicated that firefighting units were en route to the scene "at that moment," while images and comments circulated about a smoke column visible from various points in the area.
At the time of this publication, there was no official confirmation from CUPET or other authorities regarding the fire's existence, its causes, or the extent of any damage.
The smoke's position suggested the Ñico López Refinery as its origin.
Social media has been flooded with striking images of the smoke shared by locals and passersby.
However, shortly thereafter, other images emerged showing the smoke thinning and the fire being extinguished.
Official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso confirmed that the fire was brought under control, though he did not provide details about the incident.
Images shared after the flames were subdued reveal that the fire came alarmingly close to the oil refining tanks.
On September 26, 2024, a fire on a Turkish barge anchored in Havana Bay resulted in eight workers being injured, including a foreign citizen in critical condition.
The blaze occurred during welding operations on a vessel used for accommodation and logistics by the Turkish energy company Karen, which operates in the area.
This incident reignited concerns over industrial safety in the Havana Bay area, where high-risk energy infrastructures like the Ñico López Refinery are located.
The proximity of these facilities to populated areas, coupled with a lack of transparency in official reports, has sparked criticism and alarm among citizens, who often learn about such events through social media and independent outlets.
In this context, the newly reported fire at the Ñico López Refinery is part of a series of incidents highlighting the vulnerability of Cuba's energy system and the challenges in maintaining safety and security at its facilities.
While authorities claimed to have the situation under control in both cases, these events reinforce public perceptions that the risk of industrial accidents remains high in the country's oil and port complexes.
Key Questions About the Ñico López Refinery Incident
What caused the fire at the Ñico López Refinery?
As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding the cause of the fire at the Ñico López Refinery.
How did authorities respond to the fire?
Firefighting units were dispatched to the scene promptly, and the fire was eventually brought under control, according to journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso.
What are the implications for industrial safety in Havana Bay?
The incident has reignited concerns over industrial safety in Havana Bay, especially given the proximity of high-risk energy infrastructures to populated areas.