Nearly a year has passed since Osmani Hernández, a former lineman, lost both arms in a devastating electrical accident. He continues to wait for the Havana Electric Company to fulfill its sole concrete promise: to complete the home he began building before his life took an unexpected turn.
Digital creator Alexander Ríos Cruz issued a public plea for help on Saturday on behalf of Osmani, highlighting that the construction remains unfinished and lamenting that "everything has been left in words."
At 36, Osmani was employed by the Havana Electric Company when, on September 12, 2025, he suffered a severe electrical shock while repairing a fault on Pepe Prieto Street in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana.
The accident resulted from contact with a broken conductor, causing severe, irreversible burns on both arms, necessitating their amputation.
The aftermath of the accident exacerbated the situation. Witnesses reported that it was local residents—not firefighters or specialized personnel—who rescued Osmani from the pole where he was left hanging and transported him in a private vehicle to Miguel Enríquez Hospital.
From his hospital bed, the injured worker sent a message of calm to his family: "I have the willpower... I know I will at least lose my arms, but I’ll keep my life."
The electric company publicly claimed Osmani "has everything he needs" for his recovery. However, his former partner, Gretel Aparicio, contradicted this official statement, revealing that the family had to rely on public support for essential bandages and medications.
In November 2025, Osmani made a public appearance with a smile, despite losing both arms, sparking a wave of solidarity that dubbed him "the champion of life."
Yet, this solidarity has not resolved his material struggles. His wife had to quit her job to care for him full-time, and the couple has two young children. The home that the company promised to finish remains incomplete.
Osmani's case is not isolated. An investigation by El Toque revealed that Cuban linemen work with obsolete equipment: damaged gloves, helmets, harnesses, and ladders, as well as vehicles with mechanical issues.
In 2025, the Electricity, Gas, and Water sector recorded five fatalities due to workplace accidents, within a national total of 38 deaths and 701 injuries, according to the National Office of Statistics and Information.
Additionally, it was reported that Osmani had requested a leave of absence several times in the three months before the accident, but the company denied it due to staff shortages, keeping him in a high-risk position.
Ríos Cruz shared Osmani’s phone number —+5351184322— encouraging those who wish to help to reach out directly. "Any support, no matter how small it may seem, can mean a lot to this family," he wrote.
Understanding the Plight of Cuban Linemen
What led to Osmani Hernández's accident?
Osmani Hernández suffered a severe electrical shock while repairing a fault on Pepe Prieto Street, which resulted in severe burns and the loss of both arms.
How have local residents responded to Osmani's situation?
Local residents have shown solidarity by rescuing him from the scene and supporting his family with essential supplies, despite the lack of adequate response from the company.
What issues do Cuban linemen face at work?
Cuban linemen often work with outdated and unsafe equipment, including damaged gloves, helmets, and vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.