Firefighters battle big blaze at Cuba tank farm for 2nd day

HAVANA (AP) — Cuban firefighters have been joined by particular groups despatched by Mexico and Venezuela on Sunday as they battled for a second day to manage a hearth blazing at a giant oil tank farm within the western province of Matanzas.

The blaze started Friday evening when lightning struck a storage tank throughout a thunder storm, and the fireplace unfold to a second tank early Saturday, triggering a collection of explosions, officers have stated.

Authorities stated Sunday {that a} physique discovered on the web site had been recognized as firefighter Juan Carlos Santana, 60. Officers beforehand stated a bunch of 17 firefighters had gone lacking whereas making an attempt to quell flames, however there was no phrase if he was a type of.

A complete of 122 folks had been handled for accidents, together with 5 in crucial situation, officers stated.

Provincial Gov. Mario Sabines stated Sunday that 4,946 folks had been evacuated, principally from the Dubrocq neighborhood, which is subsequent to the Matanzas Supertanker Base in Matanzas metropolis. The power’s eight large storage tanks maintain oil used to gas electrical energy technology.

Dense black smoke billowed up from the tank farm and unfold westward greater than 100 kilometers (62 miles) to Havana. The Ministry of Science and Expertise stated Sunday that the cloud contained sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and different poisonous substances.

The catastrophe comes as Cuba struggles with a extreme financial and vitality disaster, with frequent energy blackouts hitting throughout a torrid summer time. It was unknown how a lot gas had been misplaced to the flames.

Cuba’s authorities had appealed for assist Saturday from oil nations, and specialised firefighting groups started arriving with their tools from Mexico and Venezuela late Saturday.

“The assist (is) within the prevention of dangers and likewise assist to quell the fireplace via cooling primarily based on water and foam,” Mexican Brig. Gen. Juan Bravo stated upon arrival. “We hope that extra assist will arrive quickly, corresponding to chemical materials.”

Deputy International Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated Saturday night that the U.S. authorities had provided technical assist. On his Twitter account, he stated the “proposal is within the fingers of specialists for the due coordination.”

Minutes later, President Miguel Díaz-Canel thanked Mexico , Venezuela, Russia, Nicaragua, Argentina and Chile for his or her presents of assist.

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Andrea Rodríguez on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ARodriguezAP