Gas station blast injures 31 in Cuba; 5 serious

Wednesday, August 29, 2012 | 1:18 PM

HAVANA, Cuba (AP) — Cuban state media say an explosion at a gas station in the eastern city of Santiago has injured 31 people, five seriously.

The Sierra Maestra newspaper says on its website that the blast happened Tuesday evening when the driver of a government-operated truck struck a gas tank, which tipped over and spilled its contents.

As firefighters tried to contain the flammable liquid, a spark that originated from among a group of people set off the blast and a "fire of great proportions."

The victims were taken to a burn unit at a nearby hospital. Five were reported in "very grave" condition.

The blaze destroyed the gas station before being put out.

Sierra Maestra said today that authorities were investigating.

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