What initially seemed like the restoration of electricity after yet another blackout turned into a nightmare of explosions, smoke, and charred appliances for several families in Santa Clara.
A malfunction on Tuesday on Fourth Street, between A and Prolongation of Colón in circuit 6 of the city, inflicted severe damage on 14 homes, left one person with minor burns, and destroyed electrical devices across nearly the entire block, as reported by local media in Villa Clara province.
Residents recounted that explosions erupted suddenly following the reestablishment of the power supply.
"We lost refrigerators, TVs, and almost every appliance because there was no time to unplug them," said Yudy Peralta Ramos, one of the affected residents.
She recalled that inside her home, outlets began to explode, and the electric meter burst amidst a thick cloud of smoke.
Cause of the Incident Explained
Juan Antonio González González, director of the Santa Clara Electric Company, explained that the incident occurred when a primary cable broke due to the surge caused after several hours without power.
"Due to the overload that occurs after prolonged blackouts, a primary cable snapped and fell onto the lines running directly to homes. This caused high voltage, leading to fires and explosions throughout the block," he clarified.
The accident highlighted one of the risks linked to the energy crisis in the country. Extended power outages and the subsequent reconnections can cause significant voltage fluctuations capable of damaging household installations and electrical equipment.
Recovery Efforts Underway
Crews from the Electric Company promptly began recovery efforts. The work includes replacing severely damaged interior installations due to the overvoltage.
Some homes suffered such extensive damage that parts of their electrical systems had to be entirely replaced.
Diamela López Valdés, the first secretary of the Party in Santa Clara, confirmed that the injured person is out of danger.
Yudy Peralta noted that government officials promised to replace the damaged equipment and belongings during the incident.
"They assured us that we will be compensated for everything we lost, and we have faith that it will happen," she stated.
Throughout the day, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Villa Clara, Susely Morfa González, and the provincial governor Milaxy Yanet Sánchez Armas visited the affected homes and directed to expedite the damage assessment to proceed with the replacement of lost equipment.
Meanwhile, specialists from the Integral Automation Company (CEDAI) continued working inside homes to restore electrical installations, aiming to return normalcy to a block that went from blackout to explosions in mere seconds.
Similar incidents have recently occurred in other provinces, with one happening yesterday in a burned-down home in Santiago de Cuba, and in May, a house caught fire due to an electrical pole during a reconnection in Havana.
FAQs on Electrical Incidents in Cuba
What caused the explosions in Santa Clara homes?
The explosions were caused by a primary cable breaking due to a power surge after several hours without electricity, leading to high voltage that resulted in fires and explosions.
How many homes were affected by the incident?
The incident severely damaged 14 homes, destroying electrical equipment and causing structural harm.
What steps are being taken to aid the affected residents?
Recovery efforts include replacing damaged installations and equipment, with government officials promising to compensate affected families for their losses.