Rescue efforts continue after apartment building collapse in Havana

Socialism has not only destroyed the economy and freedom of the Cuban people, but their lives as well. Three people are confirmed dead so far after a building collapse in Old Havana. Rescue efforts nonetheless continue for those still trapped under the rubble.

Via CiberCuba (my translation):

Rescue efforts for those still trapped under a collapsed building in Old Havana continue

After several hours of uninterrupted work trying to locate the two people trapped after the partial collapse of a building on Tuesday night in Havana, the canine team is pointing to the spot where the bodies might be.

The information about the possible discovery – which is not confirmed – was posted on social media by journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso.

Manual and mechanized debris removal were combined for hours, the latter as a precaution due to the risk of further collapse in the area.

As a precautionary measure, authorities instructed civilians to stay about 15 meters away from the site, due to the possibility of a complete structural failure.

Images posted on social media by state-run media reveal the scale of the operation to reach the bodies.

Miguel Díaz-Canel stated he was closely monitoring the partial collapse of the building and promised support for the affected individuals, while also extending condolences to the one confirmed fatality, specifying that she was “a rescuer.”

Cuban authorities reported that following the building collapse, there is currently one confirmed fatality, two people under the rubble, and two injured individuals who are out of danger.

The collapsed building, located at 362 Lamparilla Street, between Villegas and Aguacate, suffered a double collapse.

After the initial collapse, a Search and Rescue team arrived at the scene. However, while they were working inside the building, part of the structure came down.

The two injured individuals were transported to the Calixto García Hospital.

Thirteen families, totaling 54 people, lived in the collapsed building.

In the past two weeks, at least two other individuals have died due to collapses in Havana.