Cuba Havana Hotel Explosion: Death Toll Rises to 30 as Search Continues Following Tragedy

The death toll of a massive explosion at a luxury hotel in Havana, Cuba climbed to 30 on Sunday as rescuers continued searching for possible survivors following the tragedy.

Cuban officials confirmed the latest number, according to Associated Press. Cuba's Health Ministry noted that the fatalities included four minors, a pregnant woman, and a Spanish tourist, Al Jazeera reported.

On the other hand, at least 84 people were injured in the Havana hotel explosion, including the partner of the Spanish tourist. At least 24 people remained hospitalized, and some were in critical condition.

A representative of Grupo de Turismo Gaviota SA, the owner of the Hotel Saratoga in Havana, said at least 13 of their crews were missing.

The said five-star hotel, which exploded on Friday, was built at the end of the 19th century and became the most important hotel in Havana in the 1930s. The Hotel Saratoga has 96 rooms since its reopening in 2005.

Governor Reinaldo Garcia Zapata on Saturday evening said at least 19 families reported that their loved ones were missing and that rescue efforts would continue.

The Hotel Saratoga had been closed for business due to renovation work in recent days. Reports claimed that many of the explosion's victims were construction workers or hotel employees preparing for its reopening, which should have been next week.

Several nearby structures were also affected by the Havana hotel explosion. Reports claimed that Marti Theater and the Calvary Baptist Church were damaged.

The church said on its Facebook page that its building suffered "significant structural damage," citing several collapsed or cracked walls and columns. The church also claimed that the ceiling of their building also collapsed. But the church added that no church workers had been hurt.

Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel Expressed Gratitude to 'Hero' Rescuers

Rescue crews continued to clean up the streets around the hotel by late Saturday. The move prompted the pedestrian traffic around the explosion site to resume.

On Sunday, rescue crews also continued to search for victims or survivors that may have been buried underneath the piles of shattered concrete.

On Saturday, Diaz-Canel took to Twitter to pay tribute to the rescue workers doing the search and rescue operations following the Cuba Havana hotel explosion last week.

"The greatest recognition for the rescue and rescue forces that have not rested in the search for survivors and the essential rubble of #HotelSaratoga and its surroundings," Diaz-Canel noted, adding that the rescuers are the "heroes of these terrible hours." The president paired his tribute to the rescuers with their photo working on the site.

On Sunday, the president also thanked the people from various parts of the world for sending their condolences and support after the explosion.

Cuba Havana Hotel Explosion: Cause of Tragedy Under Investigation

Authorities said the cause of the explosion in Hotel Saratoga in Havana, Cuba was still under investigation, but it is believed to have been caused by a gas leak. A large crane hoisted a charred gas tanker out of the rubble on Saturday.

The Grupo de Turismo Gaviota SA claimed that their company is also investigating the cause of the explosion.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Joshua Summers

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