Eight dead, 30 hurt as huge blast wrecks Havana hotel

A huge blast in central Havana on Friday killed eight people and injured about 30 people, according to the Cuban government, which claimed the incident was likely caused by a gas leak.

After a late-morning explosion sent a tremendous cloud of dust and smoke billowing from the famous Saratoga Hotel, rescuers crawled through the ruins looking for survivors.

The bomb ripped off major sections of the hotel’s front, blew out windows, and wrecked automobiles parked outside the hotel, which has entertained celebrities like Madonna and Beyonce.

“So far, eight people have died and about 30 are hospitalized,” the Cuban presidency tweeted.

The first four floors of the establishment, which was empty of guests while being renovated, were gutted.

“Initial findings indicate that the explosion was caused by a gas leak,” the presidency said.

Ambulances and fire trucks rushed to the scene and police cordoned off the area, dispersing people who swarmed to the site.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel, accompanied by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero and National Assembly President Esteban Lazo arrived at the scene as the rescue operation got underway.

According to the website of the Saratoga Hotel, it is an upmarket establishment with 96 rooms, two bars, two restaurants, a spa, and a gym.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s scheduled trip to Cuba on Sunday will not be canceled.

“Our solidarity to the victims and affected, as well as to the people of that dear brotherly people,” the minister tweeted.