Dozens killed in explosion ‘caused by gas leak’

At least 40 people were killed and a further 74 have been treated in hospital after a powerful explosion tore the facade from a historic hotel in the capital, Havana.

Speaking at the scene soon afterwards, the Cuban president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, ruled out a bomb and said the blast at the Hotel Saratoga appeared to have been caused by a gas leak.

The hotel was closed to tourists at the time, but workers were inside. State TV reported search and rescue efforts were ongoing and said it was unclear whether additional victims remained trapped in the rubble.