Thế Giới

Huge explosion at an old hotel in the Cuban capital, at least 18 people died

Huge explosion at an old hotel in the Cuban capital, at least 18 people died - Photo 1.

An exterior of the Saratoga hotel was blown away after the explosion – Photo: REUTERS

According to the authorities CubaUp to now, at least 18 people have been killed, dozens injured and missing in an explosion that occurred around 10:50 a.m. on May 6 (local time) at the 5-star Saratoga hotel. Among the victims were a pregnant woman and a baby.

This is a famous historical structure in the center of Havana, located in the old town of the capital and opposite the Capitolio building.

Police and rescue workers were quickly deployed to government buildings and historic structures near the hotel shortly after the explosion.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the scene shortly after the explosion along with Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, National Assembly Speaker Esteban Lazo and other high-ranking officials.

In the news broadcast live on television, Mr. Díaz-Canel said it was possible that a gas leak caused the explosion at the Saratoga hotel.

“This is not a bombing or an attack. It’s just a very unfortunate accident,” the Cuban leader told Reuters as he left the Calixto Garcia hospital, where the person injured in the explosion was being treated. taken to the emergency room.

Huge explosion at an old hotel in the Cuban capital, at least 18 people died - Photo 2.

Cuban President Díaz-Canel (left) and Cuban leaders rush to the scene after the explosion – Photo: REUTERS

Many Cubans, students, members of youth organizations and trade unions have gone to hospitals and medical facilities receiving injured people to donate blood.

Official sources said that the cause of the explosion may have been an incident in the process of transporting liquefied gas from a truck to the hotel.

Roberto Enrique Calzadilla, a representative of the hotel operating company, confirmed that there were no guests inside at the time of the explosion because the hotel was still 10 days away from opening. This 96-room hotel has been closed for a while due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Hotel Saratoga was built in the late 19th century and by the 1930s it was one of the city’s most important hotels. The hotel has 96 rooms after major renovation and refurbishment in 2005.

Although La Habana has had many new and more modern hotels later, Saratoga still retains its own charm. Many famous people have chosen to stay at this old hotel, including poet Rafael Alberti.

You are reading the article Huge explosion at an old hotel in the Cuban capital, at least 18 people died
at Blogtuan.info – Source: tuoitre.vn – Read the original article here

Back to top button