Cuba coordinates with the U.S. to help fight fire at fuel depots in Matanzas

Cuban authorities have informed that they are already working in coordination with the United States to materialize the offer of aid from the U.S. Government in the face of the serious fire affecting fuel deposits in the city of Matanzas.

“We deeply appreciate condolences and expressions of help from various organizations and individuals in the United States on the occasion of the incident in Matanzas, including the U.S. Government, which offered technical advice, a proposal already in the hands of specialists for due coordination,” explained Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío, via Twitter.

In addition, Fernandez has expressed Cuba’s gratitude to the governments of Mexico, Venezuela, Russia, Nicaragua, Argentina and Chile “who have promptly offered solidarity material aid in the face of this complex situation.” In this message he also expressed his gratitude to the United States for its “offer of technical assistance”.

The fire was caused by a lightning strike on a 55,000 liter oil tank. The fire has reached three other tanks and at least 77 people have been injured and some 800 people have been evacuated because of the risk posed by the gases.