Audio By Carbonatix
At least 22 people have died and more than 60 have been hospitalised after a massive explosion rocked one of Cuba's most exclusive five-star hotels.
It is believed a gas tanker which was parked outside the Saratoga Hotel in Old Havana ignited, causing an explosion which destroyed several floors of the building.
The historic hotel was set for a post-pandemic reopening in four days.
It now lies in ruins, with much of its outer wall torn off.
Search and rescue operations are currently underway to locate people trapped under the debris.
The Cuban presidency said the dead included a pregnant woman and a child.
The injured are being treated at nearby hospitals.
Yazira de la Caridad, who lives a block from the hotel, told CBS News she "thought [the explosion] was an earthquake".
Witnesses said they saw plumes of black smoke and clouds of dust billowing into the sky following the explosion.

A school which is located directly behind the hotel was unaffected, with local officials confirming all its children have been safely evacuated.
Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel has visited the damage site, which sits opposite the government's old congressional building. The president said: "It was not a bomb or an attack, it's an unfortunate accident."
The incident comes as tourism in the country was re-emerging from two difficult years caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Saratoga Hotel, a landmark in the colonial district of the capital, had been closed for refurbishment during much of this period.
The 19th century building is synonymous in Havana with visiting celebrities - after stars such as Madonna, Beyonce and Mick Jagger stayed there during the thaw between Havana and Washington under President Barack Obama.
Latest Stories
-
Black Queens recall will boost Milot Pokuaa’s confidence – Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo
1 minute -
Ghana Red Cross Society highlights mission, principles, and proper use of emblem
1 minute -
Democracy Cup: Bagbin presents ‘Fugu’ to Sunderland officials
9 minutes -
The Ibrahim Mahama brutality: Why Ghana needs independent police oversight
9 minutes -
Oti Region: LEAP reassessment delays spark concern in Krachi East
30 minutes -
HERizon Africa advocates 50% women representation in leadership to accelerate inclusive governance
34 minutes -
Herbal medicine now widely accepted and safer in Ghana — CPMR
36 minutes -
Air pollution driving widespread human rights violations, UN expert warns
39 minutes -
2026 U17 WWC: Black Maidens to begin qualifiers next month against Togo
1 hour -
Sammy Gyamfi defends sole-sourcing for Big Push projects, rejects claims of irregularities
1 hour -
Gender Minister intervenes in Bulemi family case, supports Down Syndrome awareness walk
1 hour -
See the areas that will be affected by ECG’s planned maintenance today
1 hour -
Weight-based bullying as a cause of recurrent headaches, chest pain, and abdominal symptoms in children
1 hour -
NPP base declining untrue; I doubt findings—Kwadwo Poku
1 hour -
Al Sharpton backs Ghana’s UN push to declare slave trade gravest crime against humanity
1 hour
