A staircase in a multi-family building in the Mulgoba neighborhood, Boyeros municipality, Havana, collapsed, resulting in a woman being injured and hospitalized.
The incident occurred Monday morning around 9:00 a.m. on Segunda Street, as reported by neighbors and witnesses on social media.
According to accounts, the woman was descending when the staircase gave way. She sustained several injuries and was left hanging from the railing. She was transported to a hospital and is reported to be in stable condition, though she remains under medical care.
The Alarming State of Havana's Infrastructure
The collapse highlighted the severe structural deterioration of the building. A post on social media by Cuban content creator Danay (@danay070) showed that two entire sections of the staircase had fallen.
The reinforced concrete steps lay shattered with exposed and bent steel rods. Additionally, the metal railings appeared rusted and deteriorated.
Firefighters and police arrived on the scene, utilizing ladders to assist residents trapped on upper floors in evacuating safely. Emergency services, including an ambulance, were also present, while 30 to 50 local onlookers gathered to witness the unfolding situation.
Residents Left in Limbo
Authorities are expected to relocate the building's residents to shelters while assessing the building's condition. Locals reported that the staircase's poor condition had previously been brought to the attention of officials due to the risk of collapse, but no action was taken.
Danay pointed out the immediate challenges in replacing the staircase in her video: "There are no materials to rebuild it with iron, and much less with cement. They were told they might get a wooden staircase for minimal use."
Some residents expressed their distress on social media. "My God, my neighborhood is falling apart every day," lamented a young woman from the area.
Escalating Building Collapses in Havana
Other staircase collapses have occurred in Havana. In August 2024, 13 people were rescued after a staircase collapsed at Villegas 256 in Old Havana. Earlier in May 2024, a six-year-old boy was injured in a similar incident near the Malecon. In November 2025, two people, including a mother and child, died when a building collapsed in Old Havana.
The housing crisis in Cuba continues to worsen as government priorities shift towards hotel investments. Approximately 1,000 buildings collapse annually in Havana, with a national housing deficit exceeding 800,000 units. Around 35% of the housing stock is in fair or poor condition.
In April 2026, the regime itself acknowledged that many buildings in the capital are on the verge of collapse, while new housing construction lags even behind the worst years of the Special Period.
Frequently Asked Questions about Havana's Building Collapses
What caused the staircase collapse in Havana?
The staircase collapse was caused by severe structural deterioration of the building, which had been previously reported to authorities but not addressed.
How many building collapses occur annually in Havana?
Approximately 1,000 buildings collapse each year in Havana, highlighting the critical state of infrastructure in the city.
What is the current housing deficit in Cuba?
Cuba faces a national housing deficit of over 800,000 units, with a significant portion of the housing stock in poor condition.