The number of deaths from the accidental explosion that passed through the Saratoga hotel in Havana rose to 30 on Sunday, three more than the day before, the public health ministry said.
As of 11:30 a.m. on May 8, 84 had been injured, 24 of them had been hospitalized, 30 patients had been discharged from the hospital and 30 had died.the ministry said in a statement on its website.
In its earlier statement, the ministry reported 27 deaths.
Firefighters and rescuers have been working since early Sunday morning searching for bodies under the rubble of a building in Old Havana.
Of the 30 killed, 16 were male and 14 female, including four minors. There was also a pregnant woman and a 29-year-old Spanish tourist whose husband were also injured in the explosion that partially destroyed this luxury hotel being renovated.
Of the 24 people hospitalized, seven were declared in critical condition, six were in serious condition and eleven were less affected.
This iconic hotel has been closed for two years due to the pandemic and is scheduled to reopen to the public on May 10th.
According to the Tourism Ministry, on Saturday 51 workers were inside when the explosion occurred, which was likely caused by a gas leak because the hotel was supplied by a tanker truck. The first four floors of the five star hotel were destroyed.
Saratoga has been known for hosting several celebrities in recent years, including Mick Jagger, Beyoncé and Madonna.
Built in 1880 to house shops, the building was converted into a hotel in 1933 and became a luxury establishment in 2005.
Source: Radio-Canada
