A This Friday, a powerful explosion of unknown origin severely affected the Saratoga hotel. Havana. The first information speaks of an initial balance. eight dead and more than a dozen missingan additional thirty hospital admissions.
The figure was published on Twitter by the Cuban Presidency. Similarly, he reportedInitial investigations indicate that the explosion was caused by a gas leak.”. President Miguel Díaz-Canel is on the scene with Prime Minister Manuel Marrero and Esteban Lazo, leader of the National Assembly of People’s Power (unicameral Parliament).
According to Cuban Communist Party officials, children at a school near the area were evacuated safely.
The explosion occurred around 10:50 am (14.50 GMT) and caused the explosion. collapse of part of the facade It was also affected by a fire that created a huge plume of smoke. The ground floor, first and second floors of the six-story building were severely affected by the explosion, which collapsed the façade and caused a hail of rubble to the street. The mountain of debris on the pavement is more than a person’s height. The upper floors were also damaged.
Official media Cubadebate reassured in an initial report “serious damage and potential loss” and, citing witnesses, pointed out a possible gas leak, an unconfirmed ending.
Medical teams, firefighters and soldiers were sent to the scene. Many citizens gathered around the building.
city officials They have not reported reasons at this time explosion or possible personal injury.
Saratoga is housed in a neoclassical building built in 1880 and operating as a hotel since 1933. According to the official press, its last restoration took place in 2005. Five star hotel considered one of the most luxurious from the city. The property is located in the historic center of the Cuban capital, on Paseo del Prado, one of the main streets of Old Havana.