At Least Thirty-five People Killed in Cuban Explosion; Belizeans There are Safe

A powerful explosion at a luxury hotel in Cuba on Friday has reduced an entire section of the building to rubble, killing at least thirty-five people, and leaving twenty hospitalized with injuries. The Hotel Saratoga, a five-star ninety-six-room hotel in Old Havana, was preparing to reopen after being closed for two years when a gas leak ignited, blowing the outer walls. The blast also damaged several nearby structures. Here is a clip from C.N.N. News which has been covering the event since it happened.

Today search crews with dogs hunted through the debris, looking for missing people. Fortunately, no Belizean was hurt in the explosion. The Belizean Government has sent a note of solidarity to the Cuban Government in the wake of the tragedy.