Thirteen Cuban soldiers are missing following a series of explosions at an arms and ammunition depot in the eastern province of Holguín, Cuba’s armed forces announced late Tuesday.
The blasts, which authorities attribute to a fire at a nearby construction site, shook the rural community of Melones, located 450 miles (724 km) southeast of Havana, early Tuesday morning. The cause of the fire and subsequent explosions remains under investigation.
Cuba’s military reported four officers and nine soldiers among the missing.
Videos circulating on social media captured dramatic scenes of plumes of dark smoke and flames rising above the forested area near Melones. Soldiers and local police quickly secured access routes to the site, while rescue teams and firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the flames.
Authorities evacuated 361 residents to safer locations as a precautionary measure. Efforts to locate the missing personnel and assess the full extent of the damage are ongoing.
This incident marks a significant blow to Cuba’s military. As investigations continue, officials have called for calm and cooperation from the public.
Melissa Enoch
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