Fire Incident
On Monday morning, June 22, 2026, around 6:00 local time, a fire incident occurred at the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) Container Terminal, located about 45 kilometers west of Havana, Cuba. According to an exclusive report obtained from an unnamed terminal worker who spoke out of fear of retaliation, the fire originated from a container containing an unknown chemical. The incident began when the container leaked, and the spilled chemical ignited upon contact with water, producing thick smoke visible from a distance. Authorities immediately activated emergency protocols and evacuated all workers in the nearby area to avoid any risks.Quick Action by Firefighters
The worker reported that the fire was small and the firefighters acted quickly. "The fire was small and could be controlled without any major problems. No explosions or injuries were reported," he said. He added that terminal operations were minimally affected, and conditions had returned to normal around 11:00 a.m. "Everyone has already returned to work," he said. In a video sent to the media, a smoke column was seen coming from one of the container blocks, but the situation quickly subsided.Cause of the Incident
Regarding the cause of the incident, the worker denied any operational negligence by the port operator. He stated that if there was a human error, it might have occurred during the packaging or loading process at the original location, not at the Mariel terminal. "Here, all procedures are followed correctly," he emphasized. This suggests that the weakness likely occurred at the supplier's level, not by the port.Official Reaction
As of this report, official Cuban media and ZEDM management have not issued detailed statements regarding the type of chemical involved or the origin of the container. However, pro-government journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso reported briefly on his official website that a small fire occurred around 9:30 a.m. and was quickly controlled, with worker evacuation carried out according to protocol without any injuries. No further information was provided by official sources, indicating a cautious approach by authorities in handling the incident at this strategic facility.Implications and Follow-up Actions
This incident highlights the challenges in handling hazardous materials in Cuba's main ports. Although the fire was small and controlled, it raises questions about whether strict safety procedures were fully followed. The worker emphasized that all safety measures were followed, but weaknesses may have occurred at the packaging stage outside the country. This underscores the need for close cooperation between importers and port authorities to ensure compliance with international standards. So far, no official statement has been released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs or port authorities regarding the details of the incident. The delay in official announcements may aim to prevent panic or protect the reputation of ZEDM as a safe investment destination. However, the worker's report and the pro-government journalist's account confirm that the incident was effectively handled.Background of ZEDM
ZEDM is a major infrastructure project of the Cuban regime to attract foreign investment and modernize the national economy. Opened in 2013, it offers tax incentives and other facilities to investors. Any incident at this logistics facility is usually carefully managed by authorities to maintain investor confidence. This incident, although small, reminds all parties of the risks involved in handling chemicals and the importance of strictly adhering to safety protocols.
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*Original source: [cubanet.org](https://www.cubanet.org/por-que-se-incendio-la-zona-especial-de-desarrollo-mariel-hoy/)*