Matanzas, 20 August 2022 (TDI): The President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, decreed an Official Duel on Wednesday to honor the lives of the people who lost their lives in the Matanzas fire incident.
He decretado Duelo Oficial, durante dos días como tributo a las valiosas vidas que se perdieron en el enfrentamiento al incendio en Supertanqueros de #Matanzas. Nuestras más sentidas condolencias a familiares y amigos de esos bravos cubanos. #CubaHonrahttps://t.co/xhkx4bi5yW
— Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (@DiazCanelB) August 18, 2022
Accordingly, the country paid tribute to the brave people who lost their lives in the fire in supertankers for two days. The Lone-star flag was also hoisted in public buildings and military institutions during this period.
The Fire in Matanzas
On the evening of Friday, 5 August lightning caused one of the fuel tankers in Matanzas to explode. The partially filled tanker caused the fire to spread to a second tanker at full capacity. Ultimately, the for-tank area was lit with fire, followed by massive explosions.
As the temperature was at broiling temperature at the start, it caused firefighters to refrain from entering the area. Soon afterward, the Cuba firefighters, aided by the firefighters from Venezuela and Mexico, entered the area and were capable of putting out the fire by Tuesday.
However, the fire caused 40% of the Caribbean country’s fuel storage facility to be destroyed. It also caused many deaths and displaced many from their homes due to deadly fire.
Many countries expressed their condolences to Cuba amid the oil depot fire. Some also extended their support to help Cuba recover from the economic loss from the fire.
Also Read: Canada expresses support for Cuba amid oil depot fire
Cubans remember the heroes of Matanzas:
During the last two days, people around the country paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the fire. Moreover, they expressed their appreciation for the firefighter who risked their lives in trying to control the fire.
Hoy el pueblo de #Matanzas estará rindiendo sentido homenaje a los caídos en el control y extinción del incendio de la Base de Supertanqueros. Allí estaremos, acompañando el dolor de las familias, que es también el de toda #Cuba.#CubaHonra 🖤 pic.twitter.com/NQOZ7Sn1tl
— Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (@DiazCanelB) August 19, 2022
Officials from the government also accompanied the public in mourning the loss of those people.
Remarks by Former President of Bolivia:
As people worldwide stepped forward in support of Cuba, the Former President of Bolivia, Juan Evo Morales Ayma, also extended his condolences. The Former President expressed condolences to the people who lost their lives at the Super Tanker Base.
Acompañamos al hermano @DiazCanelB y al digno pueblo cubano que rinden homenaje en #Matanzas a hermanos que perdieron la vida en las tareas de mitigación del incendio de la Base de Supertanqueros. Nuestra solidaridad a sus familias.#CubaHonra 🖤 https://t.co/LRXg8iiPZC
— Evo Morales Ayma (@evoespueblo) August 19, 2022
Moreover, he said that he accompanied the Cubans in paying tribute to the great heroes too. The Former President also expressed his full support for the families of the deceased.
Consequently, the President of Cuba expressed his gratitude to the former President of Bolivia. He thanked Juan for always standing by Cuba’s side when needed.
Gracias hermano @evoespueblo por estar siempre al lado del pueblo cubano y de su Revolución. #CubaHonra https://t.co/w1yrpAGcOB
— Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (@DiazCanelB) August 19, 2022
Tribute at the Firefighters Museum of Matanzas:
On Friday, public and government officials gathered to pay tribute to the 16 firefighters who fell in the line of duty. Of these 16, two died in the hospital, while 14 were announced missing. However, 754 bone fragments were later found on the incident site, but they could not be fully identified.
!Gloria eterna a nuestro héroes!#CubaHonra pic.twitter.com/IDwagsBw8g
— Cancillería de Cuba (@CubaMINREX) August 19, 2022
On this occasion, the President of Cuba said that these heroes would stay in the hearts of Cubans forever.
Para siempre en nosotros, en el corazón de su país. #CubaHonrahttps://t.co/X8oGShyb2X
— Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (@DiazCanelB) August 20, 2022
Cuba also expressed its gratitude to the firefighters from Venezuela and Mexico who aided in extinguishing the fire.
