According to media reports, 8 people were killed and several others injured in a powerful explosion that took place today, Friday, in a hotel in the center of the capital, Havana.
The explosion occurred in the Saratoga Hotel (central Havana), which was under renovation, and the cause is still unknown.
The accident caused great damage to the facade of the 5-star hotel, which includes 96 rooms, two restaurants, and a rooftop swimming pool.
The Cuban presidency said - through its account on Twitter - that "the preliminary information indicates that the explosion was caused by a gas leak."
A cloud of smoke and dust rose from the main Prado avenue in central Havana, where the hotel is located.
And the French news agency reported that the first four floors of the hotel were completely destroyed, while rubble and pieces of glass were scattered on the ground.
The explosion also destroyed several cars parked near the hotel, which has been known in recent years to host many celebrities, such as Madonna and Beyoncé.
Paramedics closed the roads leading to the scene of the explosion, and began searching for possible victims under the rubble of the hotel.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel arrived at the venue at noon, accompanied by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero and National Assembly President Esteban Lazo.