The inferno broke out when a fire struck a tank at the Matanzas supertanker base and started a fire that spread to a second tank, according to state media. The billowing smoke was visible in Havana, 65 miles away. A body was recovered from the base on Saturday as about 800 people were evacuated from a nearby neighborhood, authorities said. “I was in the gym when I felt the first explosion. A column of smoke and terrible fire rose into the heavens,” said Matanzas resident Antiel Gonzalez. “The city has a strong sulfur smell.” At least one person died and 121 were injured in the fire. AP17 firefighters are missing. APCuba asked for help from “friendly countries”. Cuba Oil Union APWorkers watch as firefighters work to extinguish a massive fire at the Matanzas Supertanker Base. AP Firefighters were working frantically to prevent the fire from spreading to six other tanks, as officials had asked for help from “friendly countries” with experience in the oil sector. A support plane from Mexico arrived on Saturday as Cuba thanked the US, Venezuela, Russia, Nicaragua, Argentina and Chile for offering help. The oil in the tanks is used to fuel power plants. The fire comes as Cuba continues to face oil shortages. The smoke was visible 65 miles away from the facility in Havana. APA helicopter drops water over Matanzas Supertanker Base. AP The fire struck as Cuba is in the midst of an oil shortage. A member of the Interior Ministry’s APA injured while trying to assist in rescue efforts returns to help, near Matanzas Supertanker Base.APMembers of the Cuban Red Cross prepare to be transported to Matanzas Supertanker Base.AP With Post cables
