The Latest Breaking News from Havana

Eighteen people, including a child and a pregnant woman, were killed in a powerful explosion that destroyed much of the Hotel Saratoga, a luxury hotel in the historic center of Havana, and left several people injured, Cuban authorities said.

Located in Old Havana, the Hotel Saratoga was at times frequented by international celebrities and foreign businessmen visiting the island. Its neoclassical architecture stood out at Paseo del Prado in the country’s capital, where it long stood as a city landmark.

Havana (AFP) - Eight people were killed and about 30 hurt in a powerful explosion Friday that partly destroyed a five-star hotel in central Havana, the Cuban government said, adding the blast was likely caused by a gas leak.

At least eight people were killed Friday in an explosion that destroyed much of the Hotel Saratoga, a luxury hotel in the historic center of Havana, Cuban authorities said.

Havana (AFP) - Four people were killed and 13 were missing after a massive explosion ripped through a hotel in central Havana on Friday, with rescuers desperately searching through the rubble for survivors.

At least four people were killed Friday in an explosion that destroyed much of the Hotel Saratoga, a luxury hotel in the historic center of Havana, Cuban authorities said.

Bomb-like sound reported in area

Dozens were injured in the blast that ripped away large sections of the outer wall at the Hotel Saratoga, a 19th century structure. A gas leak was the suspected cause of the explosion.

The blast at the Hotel Saratoga, a 19th century structure in Old Havana, apparently was due to a gas leak, according to the office of President Miguel Díaz-Canel.