Hotel explosion in Cuba: The death toll has reached 31

Cuban rescuers search for victims under the rubble on May 8, Photo: AFP

In a notice on May 8, the Cuban Ministry of Health said that there were 24 people being treated after the explosion occurred on the morning of May 6 (local time), that is, the same day in Vietnam time. Seven people were seriously injured and six are in critical condition.

Rescuers are still searching, suspecting there are still victims underneath the rubble, said Alexis Acosta, a Cuban official in charge of Havana’s old town.

According to Cuban authorities, the death toll has now increased to 31 people. The initial information was 8 people, then quickly increased to 18 people just a few hours later.

Among the dead was a Spanish tourist who was walking near the hotel. Her husband was only injured and is currently receiving treatment. There are 4 children also on the list of unfortunate victims who did not survive.

Cuban authorities have rejected speculation that this was a terrorist incident and are leaning towards the theory that the explosion was an unintended accident.

At the time of the incident, the hotel was closed for renovation after a period of shutdown due to COVID-19, so there were no guests staying.

The first four floors of the hotel were significantly damaged after the explosion was attributed to a fuel leak during refueling. The explosion also blew out windows and damaged many surrounding vehicles and buildings.

According to AFP, officials and politicians from a number of countries such as the United States, Russia, China, Venezuela and the European Union have sent messages of condolences to the Cuban government after the explosion.

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 celebrities have chosen to stay at this historic hotel such as Madonna, Beyonce, Mick Jagger and Rihanna.