Article Author:
Associated Press
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis is providing assistance to Cuban firefighters and search parties following a fire and explosion at a large oil tank farm in the western province of Matanzas.
In a telegram to the Cuban bishop on Monday, Francisco said he was watching news of the "unfortunate accident." He said he prayed for all Cubans, especially those affected by the blaze, "May the Lord give you strength in this time of pain." The fire started on Friday night when lightning struck the storage tank during a thunderstorm, and early Saturday morning the fire spread to a second tank, causing a series of explosions, officials said. At least he has one body found and more than a dozen firefighters missing.
The Pope of Argentina has long been familiar with the Cuban Church and visited the island in 2015.
