"The fire was spectacular." That's how a resident of Central Havana described the blaze that erupted Wednesday night near the Zanja unit of the Revolutionary National Police (PNR) after an electrical junction box exploded amid Cuba's ongoing energy crisis.
The incident took place around the intersection of Zanja and Escobar streets, an area where locals say electrical issues have been festering for years.
Images shared on social media captured massive flames, thick smoke, and explosions lighting up several blocks during a blackout.
"The explosions reflected off the school wall across the street and could be heard from my home a block away," a local told CiberCuba, noting that a burning smell had been noticeable hours before the fire.
According to the account, it was an electrical junction box adjacent to the police station that caught fire, dangerously close to another underground installation that has burned at least twice in recent years.
"With all the streets in darkness, it looked like a movie," added the resident, who also mentioned that internet connectivity issues have persisted in the neighborhood since the blaze.
Firefighters arrived at the scene and managed to extinguish the fire without any reported injuries. As of now, authorities have not provided an official explanation for the incident.
Several videos are circulating on social media, with Cubans attributing the fire to the deteriorating electrical infrastructure and the poor condition of the underground wiring.
"The cables are old, and it was bound to happen," commented one user. Others pointed out that the area's electrical connections have been poorly protected and overloaded for years.
This event highlights once again the severe degradation of Cuba's electrical system, which struggles to maintain stability even in areas close to state facilities.
Understanding the Electrical Infrastructure Crisis in Cuba
What caused the fire near the Zanja Police Station?
The fire was triggered by the explosion of an electrical junction box amidst the country's energy crisis.
How have residents described the condition of the electrical infrastructure in the affected area?
Residents have reported long-standing issues with electrical problems, citing poorly protected and overloaded connections.
What was the response from the authorities regarding the fire?
As of now, there has been no official statement from the authorities regarding the cause or implications of the fire.