Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez decreed official mourning, which will be observed from 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 18, until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 19.
 
The news was announced by the prime-time Cuban television newscast.
 
When the news was released, it was pointed out that the control and extinguishing of the fire at the tanker base in Matanzas was a heroic act in which personal and collective courage prevailed. It represented a new epic for the Cuban people.
 
As a tribute to the fallen in the line of duty, the national flag shall be flown at half-mast in public buildings and military institutions during the official mourning period.