Journalist José Luis Tan Estrada reported on Facebook this past Saturday about the tampering with the elevator in a 26-story building in Camagüey. Unknown individuals allegedly stole a component, removed a screw, and severed part of the wiring.
According to Tan Estrada's post, a piece of the cut cable and the removed screw were discovered on the ground near the elevator mechanism.
This incident has raised alarm among residents, as building management has only permitted two or three persons in the elevator at a time. Nonetheless, sources consulted by Tan Estrada have warned that the elevator poses a serious risk and should not be used until a thorough technical inspection is conducted to ensure its safety.
Provincial government sources in Camagüey indicated that State Security is investigating whether this was an act of sabotage or a theft.
The building, located near Ignacio Agramonte Revolution Square, has experienced vandalism before. On December 31, 2025, its main entrance doors, including the frames, were torn off, leaving the building exposed. To date, no suspects have been identified, and there is no confirmation of an active police investigation.
The new incident has sparked outrage among residents and citizens alike. "God help us, when will the banditry in Camagüey end? This is unforgivable, so many families affected in the building," expressed one resident.
Another commentator emphasized the need for the elevator to be inspected before it is operational again. "Before using it, it must be inspected and certified by the appropriate company or organization. I wouldn't ride that thing even if I lived on the 25th floor," they stated.
Fears of a severe accident were also voiced. "This could claim the lives of children and countless innocent people," warned another citizen, highlighting the direct impact on residents.
This event occurs amid growing security concerns in Camagüey. The municipal government reported over 600 offenses in the first half of the year, with four out of ten related to serious crimes like armed robbery and cattle theft.
However, citizens have questioned these statistics, suggesting that criminal activity may be underreported.
The theft of public infrastructure has also disrupted telecommunications. Earlier this month, the state telecom monopoly Etecsa reported the theft of over 2,000 meters of cable in the region due to theft and vandalism. Some areas have been targeted up to three times, with repairs taking more than two months.
Other recent incidents include the theft of an electric tricycle outside the Provincial Hospital in October and reports of thefts in city parking lots in August. Residents partly attribute the insecurity to prolonged power outages and a lack of police patrols.
On a national level, the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory recorded 2,833 crimes in 2025, a 115% increase from the previous year, with robberies leading the statistics at 1,536 cases.
Understanding the Risks and Impact of Elevator Sabotage in Camagüey
What prompted the investigation into the elevator sabotage in Camagüey?
The investigation was initiated after journalist José Luis Tan Estrada reported the theft of a component, removal of a screw, and cutting of the wiring, raising concerns over potential sabotage or theft.
How are residents reacting to the elevator tampering?
Residents have expressed outrage and concern over safety, insisting that the elevator should be thoroughly inspected before being used again to prevent accidents.
What are the broader security concerns in Camagüey?
The broader security concerns include a high number of reported offenses, including serious crimes like armed robbery, amidst issues like prolonged power outages and insufficient police patrols.