Casual or causal? The lightning-triggered NaTech accident at the supertanker base of Matanzas, Cuba

Lightning strikes are a significant natural hazard for process plants, particularly in storage and handling facilities, where they often lead to large-scale loss of containment of dangerous substances. Because lightning is itself an ignition source, the probability that flammable materials released after a lightning strike will ignite is much higher than in conventional loss-of-containment scenarios. This often leads to major fires that can trigger cascading effects on nearby units. Therefore, high-capacity storage tanks located in tank farms or industrial clusters constitute highly vulnerable assets, since lightning strikes may lead to severe consequences for this critical equipment, with potentially serious impacts on the infrastructure, the environment, and nearby communities. This paper critically reflects on the NaTech accident at the Supertanker Base of Matanzas, where a catastrophic fire broke out in four of the eight tanks of the largest crude oil storage farm in Cuba. A structured causal analysis of the accident dynamics was conducted, stressing both technological and systemic factors, drawing on recent insights from the emerging literature on NaTech events in the process industry. The methodological approach adopted, together with the lessons learned from this catastrophic event, contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of lightning-triggered NaTech scenarios, supporting risk-reduction decision-making and strengthening resilience in similar contexts.