USA
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

Firefighters fight second day of blazes at Cuban tank yard

Havana -- Cuban firefighters joined special teams from Mexico and Venezuela on Sunday to control a blazing fire at a large oil tank farm. participated in the second day of combat to Western Matanzas.

The fire started Friday night when lightning struck the storage tank during a thunderstorm, and early Saturday morning the fire spread to his second tank, causing a series of explosions, officials said. said the person.

Authorities said Sunday that the body found at the scene had been identified as firefighter Juan Carlos Santana, 60. He was one of a group of 17 firefighters who had previously said they were missing while trying to contain the blaze.

A total of 122 people were treated for injuries, including five of him in critical condition, officials said.

Provincial Governor Mario Savines said on Sunday that 4,946 people had been evacuated from the Dubrok district of the city of Matanzas, which borders the supertanker base. His eight huge storage tanks at the facility hold petroleum that is used as fuel for power generation.

Dense black smoke rose from the tank farm and spread him over 100 kilometers (62 miles) west to Havana. The Ministry of Science and Technology said on Sunday that the clouds contained sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and other toxic substances.

The disaster occurred at a time when Cuba was suffering from a severe economic and energy crisis, resulting in frequent power outages during a scorching summer. It was unknown how much fuel was lost by the flames.

The Cuban government called on oil countries for help on Saturday, and specialized firefighting teams began arriving late Saturday with equipment from Mexico and Venezuela.

"The support lies in risk prevention, and water and foam-based cooling also helps quell fires," said Mexico's Brig General Juan Bravo upon arrival. "I hope more support will arrive soon, such as chemicals."

Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cosio said Saturday night that the US government had provided technical assistance. Stated. On his Twitter account, he said, "The proposal is in the hands of experts for proper coordination." , Venezuela, Russia, Nicaragua, Argentina and Chile for their offers of support.

———

Andrea Rodriguez on his Twitter: www.twitter.com/ARodriguezAP