A large explosion occurred on Friday in a hotel under construction in central Havana. So far, eight deaths have been confirmed, search and rescue operations continue in the building, “where it is possible that other people are trapped” under the rubble, the Cuban presidency said on Twitter, reporting the words of the first secretary of the Communist Party in Havana, Luis Antonio Torres Iribar. He also reported that “13 people are missing”. In addition, about thirty injured were hospitalized.
The facade of the Saratoga hotel, classified 5 stars with its 96 rooms, two restaurants and swimming pool on the roof, was largely damaged by the force of the explosion which occurred shortly after 11 a.m. local time (5 p.m. in Paris). “Initial findings indicate that the explosion was caused by a gas leak,” the Cuban presidency’s account said on Twitter. The highest Cuban dignitaries visited the scene.
A cloud of smoke and dust rose from the Prado, the main avenue in the center of Havana where the hotel is located, near the Capitol. The first four floors were completely blown away, and the floor was littered with debris and shards of glass, AFP found.
Several vehicles were also destroyed near this hotel, known for having hosted several celebrities in recent years, including Madonna and Beyoncé.
The rescuers who arrived in large numbers closed the perimeter while the rescuers searched for possible victims in the rubble at the foot of the hotel. President Miguel Diaz-Canel arrived there at midday, accompanied by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero and the President of the National Assembly Esteban Lazo.