A massive fire erupted tonight in the heart of Santiago de Cuba, consuming several homes, according to images shared on social media by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shortly before 8:00 PM local time.
The alert was posted on his Facebook account, where Mayeta shared photos depicting bright orange flames and thick black smoke soaring above a residential area of the city.
"A massive fire is currently raging at Pasaje Soler, between Princesa and Santa Rosa, right in the center of Santiago de Cuba. The flames and a thick column of smoke are visible from various high points around the city," wrote the journalist as he released the images.
Messages from those affected confirmed to the reporter that their homes were ablaze.
"I am desperate. Both my house and my mother's are on fire," one of the victims lamented.
The photos reveal a towering blaze emerging from the site of the fire. The scene was visible from numerous locations across the city, as confirmed by users commenting on Mayeta's post.
A resident from the Trocha neighborhood claimed she could see the blaze directly from her home: "I can see it from my house. The flames are very high. It's going down a bit, but it's still burning."
Other local residents indicated that firefighters had arrived to handle the emergency, though there is no official confirmation regarding the extent of the firefighting efforts or the condition of the affected properties.
As of now, Cuban authorities have not issued any statements about the fire. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and there is no information available about potential injuries or the scope of material damage.
The lack of an official response is unsurprising: Cuban state media rarely cover such emergencies, leaving independent journalists like Mayeta to document and disseminate these incidents to the public.
Fires in residential areas are a recurring issue in Cuba, exacerbated by the country's severe energy crisis that has persisted for years. The frequent blackouts have forced many residents to resort to makeshift electrical connections and alternative sources of light or heat, significantly increasing the risk of fires in neighborhoods filled with densely packed, aging, and deteriorating homes.
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Key Insights into the Santiago de Cuba Fire
What caused the fire in Santiago de Cuba?
The exact cause of the fire has not been determined yet, and authorities have not provided any official information regarding its origin.
Have there been any reported injuries from the fire?
As of now, there are no reports of injuries related to the fire, and details about the extent of material damage remain unclear.
How have local authorities responded to the fire?
There has been no official response from local authorities regarding the fire, and state media have not covered the incident.