Eight dead people after the explosion at a hotel in Havana

At least eight people have died and more than 30 have been injured as a result of a massive explosion that has hit one of Havana's most exclusive hotels in Cuba.

The explosion at the Saratoga Hotel on Friday, May 6th, appears to have been caused by a gas leak, local authorities have said.

The five - story historic building was preparing for reopening after the period of the coronary pandemic.

Currently, search-saving operations are under way.

The wounded are being treated in nearby hospitals.

Yazira de la Caridad, who lives near the hotel, told CBS News he thought the “explosion was earthquake”.

Witnesses have said that they have seen black smoke coming out of the building shortly after the explosion.

One school, located behind the hotel, has not been damaged and local authorities have confirmed that all children have been evacuated.

Cuba's president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, visited the area around the hotel.

“It wasn't a bomb or attack, it was an unfortunate incident”.

The incident has occurred as the tourism sector has begun to function again, after two years of coronary pandemic.

This 19th - century hotel has been visited by celebrities who visited Cuba, including artists such as Madonna, Beyonce, and Mick Jagger. /rel/