Cuba Oil Tank Fire Spreads; 1 Dead, 17 Missing, 125 Others Injured as Firefighters Struggle to Contain Flames

The blaze within a big oil tank farm in the western province of Matanzas in Cuba spread to a third tank on Monday, as firefighters still struggle to contain the fire. The fire started on Friday night after lightning struck one of the eight tanks within the facility.

The fire then spread to a second tank on Saturday, and it triggered several explosions. Firefighters tried spraying water on the other tanks to cool them and help prevent the spread of the fire. With the fire already reaching the third tank, it seems that the effort was not enough.

According to NBC News, Governor Mario Sabines of Matanzas said that the fire spreading to the second tank may have likely led to the third tank being compromised.

One firefighter, identified as Juan Carlos Santana, 60, died, with 17 more missing, A total of 125 are injured.

Intense Temperatures Making Search for Missing Firefighters More Complicated

Firefighters are still struggling to contain the blaze, which has forced over 4,900 people living near the Matanzas Supertanker Base in Matanzas city to evacuate. This came as Mexico and Venezuela sent their own special contingents of firefighters, armed with special firefighting gear, in helping control the blaze. The foreign contingents also sent in water cannons, planes, and helicopters to help in putting out the fire

Temperatures within the facility have become intense. So intense that both Governor Sabines and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted it was impossible to search for the missing firefighters because of how hot it has become.

Many were treated for burns, while others were treated for smoke inhalation. Five of those injured remain in critical condition, while 24 are still hospitalized, being treated for their injuries.

Relatives of the missing firefighters gathered at a nearby hotel, still awaiting news on their loved ones, according to the Washington Post.

Environmental Damage and Deepening of Cuba's Energy Woes

Time Magazine reported that Provincial Governor Mario Sabines confirmed that they have already evacuated 4,946 people from around the Dubrocq neighborhood, which is located around the Matanzas Supertanker Base. However, the fires may affect the entire country.

Cuba is currently facing a deep economic and energy crisis due to a fuel shortage. The fire at the facility, which uses oil to generate electricity for Cuba, may further that energy crisis. The first tank was only at 50% capacity and contained nearly 883,000 cubic feet of fuel. However, with the loss of the second and third tanks, it is now unclear how much fuel will be lost.

Cuba currently suffers from daily power outages in order to save fuel.

There will also be some damage to the environment as well. The Ministry of Science and Technology said that the fire has caused dense black smoke to billow from the area, and it has spread over 62 miles to Havana. It contains several harmful and toxic substances, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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