Cuban president confirms nine dead in hotel explosion

Dozens of people are missing and rescue teams continue their search efforts

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The Cuban president confirmed the death of 9 people and 40 injured in the explosion on Friday, May 6, which caused extensive damage to the Saratoga Hotel, one of the most expensive and exclusive hotels in the Cuban capital, according to authorities.

Can read: Death toll rises to eight in Havana hotel explosion

They also said that dozens of people are missing and rescue teams are continuing search and rescue efforts because, according to the official newspaper Granma, there may be a larger number trapped under the rubble.

According to the Cuban president, “preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion was caused by a gas leak.”

Medical sources told local media that the health system in the capital was fully activated and that the injured, some of them children, were taken to different hospitals, some in “critical condition” and in need of surgery.

So far, nine deaths and 40 injuries have been reported. Our deepest condolences and sincere support go out to the families and friends of the victims. #FuerzaCuba pic.twitter.com/eu5P79v2Pj

— Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez (@DiazCanelB) May 6, 2022