HAVANA, May 10, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - The death toll from an explosion at a
luxury hotel in the old quarter of Havana has risen to 40, the health
ministry said Monday.

   It said 54 people were injured in the blast last week, including six that
are still in critical condition. The death toll Monday morning had been 35.

   Crews continued to comb through the rubble of the Saratoga five-star
hotel, which was being renovated and had no guests at the time of the blast,
seemingly caused by a gas leak.

   The search is now focused on the basement and sub-basement of the
building.

   "It is at a very dangerous stage because of the concentration of the
rubble and the danger of collapse," fire department head Luis Carlos Guzman
told state television Monday, updating the confirmed death toll.

   The tourism ministry said that at the time of the blast there were 51
workers inside the hotel, which was readying for its post-refurbishment
reopening this week.

   The ACN state news agency said four bodies found overnight were those of
hotel workers.

   "According to family members, it is estimated that there are about 12 or
13 people still trapped," the news agency added.

   The first four floors of the hotel were gutted in the late-morning blast
that sent smoke billowing into the air and rubble tumbling to the ground.

   The explosion, which an official said happened while a gas tank was being
refilled by a tanker truck, tore off large parts of the facade, blew out
windows and destroyed cars parked outside the hotel.

   The luxury property is known for having hosted celebrities such as
Madonna, Beyonce, Mick Jagger and Rihanna.