A fire that broke out around midday on Tuesday completely destroyed the electrical substation in Alacranes, a town in Unión de Reyes municipality, located in Matanzas province. This incident has left approximately 3,700 residents without power, as reported by Radio Unión Matanzas.
The blackout has affected several communities, including Alacranes, Vito Falcón, El Estante, Puerto Rico, and parts of Unión de Reyes itself. Official media outlets have yet to release images of the blaze.
Among the crucial facilities impacted are two water pumping stations, the José Machado Polyclinic, Celia Sánchez Maternity Home, Abel Santamaría Cuadrado Special School, and the headquarters of the Territorial Basic Electric Organization (OBET).
Yansay López Medina, the director of OBET, confirmed to Radio Unión that "approximately 3,700 customers remain without electrical service due to this incident."
Specialists from the Provincial Electric Company arrived on the scene and have determined through initial assessments that the substation's infrastructure has suffered severe structural damage.
While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the details surrounding the event.
Yaneisy Fuentes López, the first secretary of the Party in Unión de Reyes, announced the establishment of a Command Post in Alacranes. This post will operate around the clock under the supervision of an administrative officer, a political representative, and delegates from the People's Power.
Due to the disruption in water pumping, authorities have arranged for water distribution using tanker trucks and horse-drawn carts, sourcing water from the "La Piscina" Local Development Project.
The Family Care System (SAF) will prepare and sell soup to residents, supported by local agricultural cooperatives. For any inquiries during the restoration efforts, a helpline has been set up at 52141758. However, no timeline has been given for fully restoring the substation in Alacranes.
This fire exacerbates an already serious electrical crisis in Matanzas. In October, several communities in the municipality endured over 70 consecutive hours without electricity. Just two days prior to this incident, about 265,000 people in the province faced water supply issues due to the fact that 87% of Cuban water systems rely on electricity for pumping.
The pattern of fires at substations has been a recurring issue in Cuba throughout 2026. Similar incidents occurred in Caibarién in June, Alquízar in July, and Jicotea-Ranchuelo in August. All these incidents involved significant structural damage and prolonged blackouts, highlighting the widespread deterioration of the country's electrical grid.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Alacranes Substation Fire
What areas were affected by the Alacranes substation fire?
The fire affected the towns of Alacranes, Vito Falcón, El Estante, Puerto Rico, and parts of Unión de Reyes in Matanzas province.
How are authorities addressing the water supply issues caused by the fire?
Authorities have organized water distribution using tanker trucks and horse-drawn carts. The water is being sourced from the "La Piscina" Local Development Project.
What is the estimated number of people affected by the power outage?
Approximately 3,700 residents have been left without power due to the destruction of the substation.
Have there been similar incidents in Cuba recently?
Yes, there have been similar fires at electrical substations throughout Cuba in 2026, including incidents in Caibarién, Alquízar, and Jicotea-Ranchuelo.