Havana hotel explosion death tolls rises to 32

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The death toll, which was a result of the gas explosion at the Saratoga Hotel in Havana, has risen to 32, with 19 missing, according to news agency Prensa Latina on Saturday, citing the provincial head of the family reconnection front of the Red Cross, Gloria Bonnin.

Earlier today, reported casualties included 25 dead and over 60 hospitalized.

NOW - Explosion at history Hotel Saratoga in Havana, Cuba.pic.twitter.com/uPN9cyLrbA

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On Friday, A powerful blast had destroyed the Saratoga hotel, located in front of the National Capitol building in Cuba’s Havana.

"The explosion in the old city of Havana was not caused by a bomb, and an investigation is still underway," the press office of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said.

It also pointed out that the preliminary investigation indicates that the explosion in the hotel in central Havana was caused by a gas leak.

The death toll after the explosion that destroyed the Saratoga hotel in Havana on Friday increased to eight, the Cuban presidential administration said.

The hotel was meant to reopen on May 10, post-pandemic; no visitors were staying at the hotel when the explosion occurred.

The blast severely damaged the front part of the building up to the fifth floor, including several buildings in its vicinities.

Authorities stressed that the explosion was an accident and that the gas equipment and the contractors all had valid permits and licenses.