A drying oven located in the Sterilization Center of the Eduardo Agramonte Piña Pediatric Hospital in Camagüey caught fire on Tuesday around 3:15 PM, causing widespread confusion and panic among the hospital staff and patients, according to independent journalist José L. Tan Estrada on his platform #TanteandoCuba.
The situation intensified as the fire coincided with a simultaneous earthquake alert received on mobile phones, which was later confirmed to be false, reported the journalist.
"The combination of smoke and the earthquake alert created confusion and panic among those in the area," described Tan Estrada.
This false seismic alert generated panic across Cuba, affecting at least nine provinces, including Camagüey. The alert was subsequently debunked by the National Seismological Research Center (CENAIS) and Civil Defense.
According to testimonies gathered by Tan Estrada, the fire originated because the oven’s thermostat failed to activate, allowing it to continue operating until it caught fire. The blaze occurred near the cardiology consultation area, which was concluding at that time.
The emergency was exacerbated by the lack of fire extinguishers on-site. Medical staff and others present resorted to using soil from nearby planters to try and extinguish the flames while waiting for the firefighting team to arrive.
"Eventually, a fire extinguisher was found, and the blaze was brought under control," the journalist recounted. However, the fire brigade arrived late.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or significant damage as a result of the incident.
This event is part of a series of documented issues at the same facility. In July of this year, the hospital's main power generator caught fire, leaving the center reliant on a smaller generator that could only support Intensive Care, Intermediate Care, and the Emergency Room.
The Provincial Directorate of Public Health in Camagüey denied the generator fire, calling it an "unexpected contingency" due to mechanical failure.
The deterioration of the Camagüey pediatric hospital has been ongoing. In October 2025, it was reported that only one pediatrician was available to attend to the entire hospital, and in May of that year, extreme unsanitary conditions were documented in the Gastroenterology ward, with cockroaches, stagnant urine, and dirty utensils.
In July 2026, there was also a report of a critical antibiotic shortage for a 13-year-old girl admitted to the hospital.
Tuesday's incident is part of a broader pattern of fires in Cuban hospitals during 2026: in April, the Saturnino Lora Hospital in Santiago de Cuba caught fire, followed by the General Hospital in Cienfuegos that same month, and the Manuel Fajardo Hospital in Havana in May.
In many of these instances, similar deficiencies were noted: a lack of operational extinguishers and delayed response from fire services.
Understanding the Challenges in Cuban Hospitals
What caused the fire at the Camagüey Pediatric Hospital?
The fire was caused by a malfunctioning thermostat in a drying oven, which failed to stop the oven from overheating, resulting in a fire.
How did the false earthquake alert affect the situation?
The false earthquake alert caused additional confusion and panic among the hospital's staff and patients, as it occurred simultaneously with the fire.
Were there any injuries reported from the fire?
Fortunately, there were no injuries or significant damages reported as a result of the fire.
What other incidents have occurred at the Camagüey Pediatric Hospital?
There have been various issues, including a fire in the main power generator, unsanitary conditions in certain wards, and a shortage of critical medications.