On Wednesday, September 24, a tragic incident claimed the life of an 18-year-old who was electrocuted while trimming trees near a high-voltage line in Cabaiguán, located in the Sancti Spíritus province of Cuba.
According to information from the Sancti Spíritus Electric Company, shared by independent journalist Magdiel Jorge Castro, the fatal accident took place around 9:00 am. The young man was cutting a branch near the 110 kV line of the Tuinucú 220 kV–Cabaiguán 110 kV electrical grid, which resulted in a deadly electrical contact.
The victim was identified as Keyler Ramos Guerrera. He was not affiliated with the Electric Company but was part of a tree-trimming crew hired by a third party, connected to the CCS Ramón Balboa, an agricultural Credit and Services Cooperative based in Guayos, within the same municipality.
The incident has been officially documented as a "fatal accident involving a third-party contractor for tree trimming tasks." This highlights the pressing risk of fatal electrical accidents extending beyond specialized personnel to external workers operating in proximity to high-voltage infrastructures.
As of now, there has been no public disclosure regarding safety protocols in place during this operation or any potential accountability.
Recent Fatalities in Cuba's Electrical System
Keyler's tragic death marks the third fatality associated with Cuba's electrical system this September.
Earlier in the month, 32-year-old lineman Edisvey Rolando Pérez Rodríguez, working for the Sancti Spíritus Electric Company, was electrocuted while repairing a transformer in El Roble, Guanabacoa, Havana. Eyewitnesses suggested that an illegal connection may have caused the surge that led to his death.
On September 12, another lineman, Mario Vives Mesa from Palmira, Cienfuegos, died during the construction of a new solar park line in Juraguá. In the same incident, his colleague Ridier Molina León ended up in intensive care.
Energy Crisis Intensifies Risks
These deaths occur against the backdrop of an unprecedented energy crisis in Cuba. The country's electrical grid is struggling with deficits exceeding 2,000 megawatts, causing blackouts affecting up to 70% of the population simultaneously this September.
The municipality of Cabaiguán, where Keyler lost his life, is particularly hard-hit by this crisis. The Sancti Spíritus Electric Company has identified it as the most affected area in the province, experiencing outages lasting up to 50 continuous hours in 2026.
Working conditions in the sector are extremely precarious, with deteriorating protective equipment, poorly maintained vehicles, and exhausting work hours. These challenges are compounded by the exodus of approximately 15,000 workers from the electrical sector in 2021 and 2022, driven by inadequate wages.
Understanding the Electrical Crisis in Cuba
What caused the electrocution of Keyler Ramos Guerrera?
Keyler Ramos Guerrera was electrocuted after cutting a tree branch near a high-voltage line, which resulted in an electrical contact that proved fatal.
How does the energy crisis affect electrical safety in Cuba?
The energy crisis exacerbates electrical safety risks as the grid operates under high stress, leading to frequent blackouts and potentially hazardous conditions for workers.
What challenges do workers in the Cuban electrical sector face?
Workers face numerous challenges, including outdated protective gear, poorly maintained equipment, and long, exhausting work hours, all amid an ongoing crisis and significant workforce reductions.