HAVANA (IPU NEWS) — A massive fire broke out Thursday afternoon at the Ñico López refinery, located in Havana Bay, sending a huge plume of smoke visible from several points in the capital and prompting a large emergency response.
Cuban authorities reported preliminarily that the fire started in a storage area within the facility. Firefighters and specialized brigades responded to the scene to try to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to other areas of the refinery.
An official casualty count and the exact cause of the fire have not yet been released. State media reported that industrial safety protocols were activated and the perimeter was cordoned off as a preventive measure.
Response Operation
Witnesses in nearby areas reported the smell of fuel and the presence of thick smoke for several hours. Emergency teams worked with water tankers, chemical foam, and cooling systems to control the situation.
Industrial risk specialists explain that refinery fires require rapid and technical responses due to the presence of flammable materials and the complexity of the facilities.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials indicated that, once the fire is extinguished, an investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the incident and assess potential damage to the infrastructure. They will also analyze whether the event affects fuel distribution in the capital.
The refinery is one of the key energy facilities for local supply, so any prolonged disruption could impact fuel logistics.
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