A man was successfully rescued on Tuesday in Manzanillo, Granma Province, after accidentally tumbling into an air vent of a well, plunging between 40 and 50 feet deep in an area thick with vegetation, according to the official Facebook page, Entérate con Aytana Alama.
The accident occurred around 7:40 a.m. near the Céspedes district, just behind the Celia Sánchez Manduley Provincial Hospital, along 3rd Avenue, approximately 500 meters from the hospital grounds.
The victim was walking with another individual through a dense and hard-to-reach area when the ground unexpectedly gave way beneath him.
The report indicated, "Unexpectedly, the ground collapsed, and he fell inside the vent of a deep hole, descending a terrifying depth of between 40 and 50 feet."
Immediate Response from Locals
The man's companion quickly sought help from residents of the Céspedes district, who contacted the fire department's emergency services, reporting that the man was still alive at the bottom of the well.
Upon arrival, rescuers assessed the situation and prepared their vertical descent equipment.
On-Site Rescue Efforts
At the bottom, they found the man conscious but in critical condition, suffering from a head injury with bleeding, and complete loss of sensation and movement in his lower limbs, which rescuers confirmed through stimulus tests.
Suspecting a severe spinal injury, the firefighters immobilized the victim on a basket stretcher and monitored his vital signs while awaiting the Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIUM).
With assistance from the Red Cross, they executed a hoisting maneuver to lift him from the 50-foot depth.
Transport to Medical Care
Once on the surface, rescuers carried the stretcher by hand across 300 meters of dense vegetation and pathless terrain to reach a Revolutionary National Police (PNR) patrol car.
Due to the absence of roads for heavy vehicles, officers transported the injured man in the patrol car to the hospital, where he received specialized medical attention.
The source did not disclose the patient's subsequent health status or identity.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The incident sparked mixed reactions online. Some praised the rescue teams for their swift and professional actions.
"Congratulations to my colleagues. Once again, they showed their professionalism and bravery," wrote one user.
Others criticized the official narrative's focus.
"Great story. I read until the end, and throughout the narrative, the protagonist was never the injured person, but the MININT members. Wishing a speedy recovery to that person," commented another.
There were also complaints about the infrastructure conditions leading to such accidents.
"This shows once again the poor construction work. How can they leave a hole of that size and depth? If that man fell, a child could too," pointed out Esmeralda Castro.
Another comment was more blunt: "They save one life and let thousands die in hospitals and prisons. Why so much fuss about saving one?" questioned another user.
Recurring Hazardous Conditions
In late August, firefighters in Holguín rescued another man who fell to the bottom of a well during excavation work in Loma del Caguayo.
Weeks earlier, a woman fell into an uncovered well in Bayamo, also in Granma, and was transported to the hospital on an electric scooter due to a lack of ambulances—at that time, the province had only 17 active ambulances out of the 54 needed.
The increase in hand-dug wells due to the water crisis and deteriorating urban infrastructure creates a growing risk for the Cuban population, with accidents recurring at a rate that authorities have yet to curb.
Frequently Asked Questions About Well Accidents in Cuba
Why are well accidents becoming more common in Cuba?
The increasing frequency of well accidents in Cuba is largely due to the rise in hand-dug wells as a response to the ongoing water crisis, coupled with deteriorating urban infrastructure.
What measures are being taken to prevent such accidents?
There has been little effective action from authorities to prevent well accidents, as the infrastructure issues remain largely unaddressed.
How do rescue teams respond to these emergencies?
Rescue teams typically assess the situation, prepare descent equipment, and work with local emergency services to secure and transport the injured to medical facilities.