At least 22 dead after a massive explosion destroyed a hotel in Havana, Cuba


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Havana (CNN)Police and fire rescuers are combing through rubble for survivors after an explosion late Friday morning destroyed a hotel in Havana, Cuba, killing at least 22 people and injuring at least 64.A gas leak is thought to be the cause of the explosion at Hotel Saratoga, according to the Cuban Presidential Office, who said that more details would follow. “Everything indicates that the explosion was caused by an accident,” the Cuban Presidential Office said in a tweet.

According to preliminary data, a child and a pregnant woman were among those who died, it said.

The presidency also said 64 people have been hospitalized for injuries, including 14 minors.Cuban state TV said there are potential survivors trapped in the basement of the destroyed hotel.Witnesses described a “massive blast,” which appeared to destroy buses and cars outside the hotel in the center of the city.

The Saratoga Hotel is seen in 2017, left, and following an explosion on May 6, right.Images from the scene showed the blown-out facade of at least three floors of the ornate green-and-white stuccoed building. Plumes of dust and smoke could be seen rising around debris on the ground.A CNN team on the ground saw a bloodied woman being carried away at the scene of the explosion. Fireman were using their bare hands to move chunks of broken granite and stone in order to pull people out of the rubble. Pieces of metal awnings, balconies and large chunks of stone were scattered about 300 feet away from the hotel.

Photos: Deadly explosion at Havana hotelPeople evacuate the area where the explosion took place.Hide Caption6 of 10

Photos: Deadly explosion at Havana hotelRooms are exposed after the blast.Hide Caption7 of 10

Photos: Deadly explosion at Havana hotelRescue workers arrive to help.Hide Caption8 of 10

Photos: Deadly explosion at Havana hotelA taxi is buried in the rubble.Hide Caption9 of 10

Photos: Deadly explosion at Havana hotelPieces of metal awnings, balconies and large chunks of stone were scattered about 300 feet away from the hotel.Hide Caption10 of 10

Photos: Deadly explosion at Havana hotel


Godfred Meba

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