Authorities stated Sunday {that a} physique discovered on the website had been recognized as firefighter Juan Carlos Santana, 60. Officers beforehand stated a bunch of 17 firefighters had gone lacking whereas attempting to quell flames, however there was no phrase if he was a type of.

A complete of 122 individuals had been handled for accidents, together with 5 in important situation, officers stated.

Provincial Gov. Mario Sabines stated Sunday that 4,946 individuals had been evacuated, principally from the Dubrocq neighborhood, which is subsequent to the Matanzas Supertanker Base in Matanzas metropolis. The ability’s eight large storage tanks maintain oil used to gasoline electrical energy technology.

Dense black smoke billowed up from the tank farm and unfold westward greater than 100 kilometers (62 miles) to Havana. The Ministry of Science and Know-how stated Sunday that the cloud contained sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and different poisonous substances.

The catastrophe comes as Cuba struggles with a extreme financial and vitality disaster, with frequent energy blackouts hitting throughout a torrid summer season. It was unknown how a lot gasoline had been misplaced to the flames.

Cuba’s authorities had appealed for assist Saturday from oil nations, and specialised firefighting groups started arriving with their tools from Mexico and Venezuela late Saturday.

“The help (is) within the prevention of dangers and likewise assist to quell the hearth by way of cooling primarily based on water and foam,” Mexican Brig. Gen. Juan Bravo stated upon arrival. “We hope that extra help will arrive quickly, corresponding to chemical materials.”

Deputy International Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated Saturday night that the U.S. authorities had provided technical assist. On his Twitter account, he stated the “proposal is within the palms of specialists for the due coordination.”

Minutes later, President Miguel Díaz-Canel thanked Mexico, Venezuela, Russia, Nicaragua, Argentina and Chile for his or her gives of assist.

Andrea Rodríguez on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ARodriguezAP