Cuba announces preliminary investigation results into explosion in capital Havana
The Cuban President's Office said a gas leak caused the explosion at 10:50 a.m. on May 6 (local time) at the 5-star Saratoga Hotel - a famous historical architectural work in the center of the capital La Habana, opposite the Capitolio building.
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| The Saratoga Hotel in the capital La Habana, Cuba was severely damaged after an explosion on May 6, 2022. Photo: AFP/TTXVN |
“Preliminary results of the investigation indicate that the explosion was caused by a gas leak,” the Cuban President’s Office said in a statement on Twitter, adding that “further details will be available soon.”
AFP news agency cited official statistics from the Cuban Ministry of Health showing that the number of victims killed by the explosion has reached 18 people and more than 50 others were injured.
At the scene, firefighters are working to cool the remains of a liquefied petroleum gas tanker that is believed to have exploded on the street next to the Saratoga Hotel. People living and working in buildings near the scene of the explosion have been evacuated to ensure their safety, while Cuban authorities are launching a blood donation program to support the injured victims.
