At least eight dead in Havana hotel explosion

A powerful explosion apparently caused by a gas leak blew away much of the outer walls from a five-star hotel in the heart of Cuba’s capital on Friday and officials reported at least eight people had died.

The early morning blast that devastated the 19th century structure in Old Havana apparently was due to a gas leak. No tourists were staying at the 96-room Hotel Saratoga because it was undergoing renovations.

At least eight people had been killed and officials reported 13 people missing and about 30 known injured. An elementary school next to the hotel was evacuated and no children were hurt.