The Guardian Weekly

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A deadly fire that began at Cuba’s main oil terminal in Matanzas spread after a third crude tank caught fire and collapsed as firefighters struggled to control the massive blaze.

At least one person died and 125 were injured, with dozens of firefighters reported missing since lightning struck one of the facility’s eight tanks last Friday night. When a second tank caught fire on Saturday, it triggered several explosions at the facility, which plays a key part in Cuba’s electricity system.

The governments of Mexico and Venezuela sent specialist teams to help extinguish the fire, with water cannon, planes and helicopters fighting the fire from several directions, as military constructions specialists erected barriers to contain oil spills.

Local officials warned residents to use face masks or stay indoors as the billowing smoke enveloping the region could be seen from the capital of Havana, more than 100km away.

Spotlight / Europe

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2022-08-12T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-08-12T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://theguardianweekly.pressreader.com/article/281990381295682

Guardian/Observer