Matanzas [Cuba], August 12: At least two people have died because of a massive fire at a fuel storage facility in the Cuban western province of Matanzas last week, the Ministry of Public Health said on Thursday.
The two were confirmed dead after firefighters and rescue teams from Cuba, Venezuela and Mexico brought the fire under control on Wednesday.
According to the ministry, 130 people have been treated in medical facilities after the large-scale fire, and 14 others are still missing.
The fire started when a tank at the fuel farm near the port of Matanzas was engulfed in a huge blaze following a lightning strike at 7:00 p.m. local time on Friday, reaching a second tank on Saturday morning and triggering a series of explosions.
According to official data, some 5,000 residents were evacuated from the area.
Luis Wong, provincial director of Public Health in Matanzas, said that after putting out the fire, Cuban officials will begin the process of searching for the remains of potential victims.
"We have the equipment, technology, and skilled personnel to start working at the fire scene when required," he added during a televised address.
Source: Xinhua