Rescue operations at the former Basic Secondary School in the Countryside (ESBEC) No. 1 in Remedios, Villa Clara, wrapped up Thursday morning, resulting in two fatalities and one survivor after an intense 16-hour search through the rubble, reported the Facebook page Soy Villa Clara.
The deceased were identified as Luis Alberto Rojas Julién, 24, and Francisco González Navarro, 77, both from the municipality of Caibarién. Their bodies were recovered around 6:50 a.m., according to Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Lima Guevara, head of operations for the Villa Clara Fire Department.
The sole survivor, Jorge Luis Pardo Águila, 29, was pulled out alive just before midnight on Wednesday. He is currently hospitalized in the Neurology ward at Arnaldo Milián Castro Provincial Hospital in Santa Clara and is reported to be in stable condition.
Collapse of an Unsafe Structure
The disaster took place Wednesday afternoon when the structure of the old ESBEC, commonly referred to as "La Uno," completely collapsed on the road to Rojas in Remedios.
Despite being declared unsafe and out of use for years due to severe structural deterioration, unconfirmed local sources suggest that those trapped were allegedly scavenging for rebar and other construction materials when the collapse occurred. This practice has become increasingly common in Cuba amid a growing shortage of materials and the decay of many abandoned buildings.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Over a hundred rescuers from various specialized teams were involved in the operation. Cranes, heavy machinery, and cutting tools were used to clear the debris, while a generator ensured the area was lit throughout the night. Drones also aided in locating the victims beneath the remains of the building.
The Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIUM) stayed on high alert throughout the emergency to provide assistance to those affected and support to the families anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones.
Highlighting a Recurring Issue
This tragedy underscores the significant danger posed by numerous abandoned and deteriorating buildings across Cuba. Many, including former schools, factories, or state facilities, have lacked maintenance for years and are frequently looted for reusable materials.
A similar incident occurred last July in Colón, Matanzas, where two men became trapped following the collapse of a building belonging to a former military unit while reportedly extracting construction materials. They both survived the ordeal.
In the wake of the rescue completion, authorities reiterated their warning to the public to avoid entering buildings deemed uninhabitable, stressing the high risk of additional collapses. Meanwhile, experts continue to investigate the causes behind the collapse of the old ESBEC, one of many rural educational facilities abandoned after the dismantling of that school system on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Safety in Cuba
What caused the collapse of the building in Remedios?
The building collapsed due to severe structural deterioration, compounded by unconfirmed reports of individuals scavenging for construction materials at the time of the incident.
Who were the victims of the collapse?
The victims included Luis Alberto Rojas Julién, 24, and Francisco González Navarro, 77, both residents of Caibarién. Jorge Luis Pardo Águila, 29, survived the collapse.
What measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents?
Authorities are urging the public to avoid entering condemned buildings and are investigating the causes of the recent collapse to prevent future occurrences.