Rescue teams operating at the site of the former ESBEC No. 1 in Remedios, Villa Clara, have successfully saved a survivor from the wreckage of the collapsed building. The individual was immediately transported to a hospital for medical care.
This development was reported close to midnight by Henry Omar Pérez, a journalist for the Cuban News Agency, on Facebook. He shared photos capturing the dramatic nighttime rescue operation.
The images reveal a team of ten to fifteen rescuers, including firefighters, Red Cross personnel, and other experts, carefully moving the survivor on a stretcher through the debris of concrete, rebar, and collapsed structures.
Rescuers relied on artificial lighting supplied by an onsite generator to continue their efforts through the night.
Authorities on Site
In a subsequent post, Pérez shared photos of officials present at the scene, commenting, "All authorities are still here, fulfilling their sacred duty to serve."
Intense Efforts Lead to Success
Before the successful rescue, Pérez reported that specialized teams were close to reaching a survivor trapped beneath the rubble. Rescuers maintained communication with at least one trapped individual and were able to provide water while clearing the structure.
The operation involved firefighters, the Red Cross, the Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIUM), and other specialized teams. Drones were also deployed to assist in locating trapped individuals, highlighting the complexity of the mission.
Search Continues for Missing Individuals
According to official information from Villa Clara authorities, approximately three people were inside the building at the time of the collapse. It was later confirmed that all the trapped individuals were from Caibarién, a nearby town.
As of now, there's no official update on the condition of the other missing persons or any additional recoveries from the structure.
The collapsed building, originally the ESBEC No. 1 in Remedios, is one of the Basic Secondary Schools in the Countryside built in the 1970s. Like many similar facilities in Cuba, it had been abandoned for years and showed significant structural decay.
Rescue operations remain ongoing as specialized teams continue their efforts to locate and free any remaining individuals beneath the rubble.
Key Questions About the Remedios School Collapse
What caused the collapse of the school in Remedios?
The collapse was primarily due to the significant structural deterioration of the building, which had been abandoned for years.
How many people were trapped during the collapse?
It is estimated that around three people were inside the building at the time of the collapse.
What rescue methods were used in the operation?
The rescue operation utilized drones, artificial lighting, and involved teams from the Red Cross, firefighters, and other emergency services.