Cuba: At least 22 dead after gas explosion at hotel in Havana

MIAMI – Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said a gas leak was to blame for the deadly explosion at the Saratoga hotel on Friday in Havana.

22 were confirmed dead including a child according to Cuban officials. Officials said 64 people were injured.

The 96-room hotel was not open to the public, but there were workers preparing the property to reopen on May 10.

Rescuers continue to search through the rubble for survivors.

Workers pulled a gas truck from the crumbled structure that officials said was delivering natural gas to the hotel when the explosion happened.

According to Alexis Acosta Silva, the mayor of the Old Havana District, a cook in the kitchen smelled gas and then discovered a leak in the truck’s hose.

The explosion affected nearby buildings, including a school with about 300 students, officials said.

Diaz-Canel assured the public the explosion was accidental and not related to an attack or sabotage.

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