In the heart of Matanzas' historic center, a building partially crumbled on July 18, and more than a month later, three precarious walls remain standing, posing a significant threat to nearby residents and passersby during the ongoing hurricane season.
A report by Periódico Girón provides an update on the situation. The collapse occurred at number 29016 on bustling Milanés Street, situated between Santa Teresa and Zaragoza. The entire second floor of the building, owned by Reynaldo Romero Soria, gave way completely.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported on the day of the incident, but the ground floor occupants, Diosdany A. Celestrín Pérez and his wife Marivy Díaz Velázquez, were rendered homeless due to the imminent risk of further collapse.
"The collapse of the second floor was complete. It caused damage to our level, making it impossible to remain," the couple explained to the provincial newspaper.
"Twenty-two days after the collapse, nothing further has been done. The loose walls remain a danger to life and pose potential damage to neighboring homes," Celestrín Pérez and Díaz Velázquez complained.
Persistent Institutional Negligence Over a Decade
The building's problems began in 2013, when the Community Architect, José A. Domínguez, assessed its condition as "poor to deteriorating," urgently recommending restoration and ordering the closure of the Municipal Finance Directorate's Accounting Management Center that operated there.
Despite this, in 2016, the then-president of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power handed the dilapidated premises over to Romero Soria as a residence, completely disregarding the technical assessment.
Following the July 18, 2026 collapse, a new technical report was issued by the Architecture and Engineering Company (EMPAI) on July 27. Experts concluded that the disaster was caused by the failure of a corroded metal reinforcement that supported the facade of the upper floor.
"As a result, the adjoining walls are unsecured and at risk of falling due to wind or rain," the document warned.
Provincial Party and Government officials visited the site on July 18 and 19, cleared debris from the public roadway, and restored electrical and communication services.
Hidovaldo Díaz Martínez, coordinator of the Provincial Government's Programs and Objectives, stated shortly after the incident that "they are removing the two side walls that could affect the neighboring houses." However, those affected insist that these are not the walls posing the current danger.
Recurring Collapses in Matanzas
This incident is part of a broader crisis of repeated collapses in Matanzas. On July 26, a prefabricated structure in Colón collapsed, injuring two people. In early August, a seven-year-old child was injured when a home's porch collapsed in the same locality.
The historic center of Matanzas, designated as a National Monument, contains approximately 100 buildings in a state of severe deterioration, with 12% of its structures in poor condition, at risk of irreversible destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Safety in Matanzas
What caused the building collapse in Matanzas?
The collapse was attributed to the failure of a corroded metal reinforcement that supported the facade of the building's upper floor.
Are there other buildings in Matanzas at risk of collapse?
Yes, the historic center of Matanzas has around 100 buildings in severe disrepair, with 12% at risk of irreversible destruction.
What actions have been taken by authorities following the collapse?
Authorities have cleared debris and restored essential services, but the dangerous walls remain a concern as further demolition has not been completed.