Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
    • International News
  • Latest
  • Business
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • All Woman
  • Career & Education
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Elections
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Classifieds
  • Design Week
UPDATE: Havana hotel blast toll rises to 35
Rescuers and their dogs work at the Saratoga Hotel, in Havana, on May 9, 2022, three days after an explosion. - Rescue workers have pulled another four bodies from the ruins of a Havana luxury hotel wrecked in an explosion last week, raising the death toll to 35, an official said. 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 late-morning blast last Friday that was seemingly caused by a gas leak. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE / AFP)
Latest News
May 9, 2022

UPDATE: Havana hotel blast toll rises to 35

HAVANA, Cuba (AFP)— Rescue workers have pulled another four bodies from the ruins of a Havana luxury hotel wrecked in an explosion last week, raising the death toll to 35, an official said.

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 late-morning blast last Friday that was 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 rubble and the danger of collapse,” fire department head Luis Carlos Guzman told state television Monday, updating the death toll.

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

The ACN state news agency said the 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.

On Sunday, officials said 24 people were receiving treatment in hospital.

The first four floors of the hotel were gutted in the blast that sent debris flying, smoke billowing into the air and rubble tumbling to the ground.

The explosion tore off large parts of the facade, blew out windows and destroyed cars parked outside the hotel, known for having hosted celebrities such as Madonna, Beyonce, Mick Jagger and Rihanna.

The dome of a nearby Baptist church also collapsed.

A 29-year-old Spanish tourist, who had been walking nearby, was among the fatalities, who also included four children and a pregnant woman.

The tourist’s husband was injured in the blast that an official said happened while a gas tank was being refilled by a tanker truck.

{"website":"website"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

Jamaica receives US$300,000 in recovery assistance from Republic of Korea
Latest News, News
Jamaica receives US$300,000 in recovery assistance from Republic of Korea
December 31, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Republic of Korea has donated US$300,000 to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The contribution was...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Verona Foundation brings relief to hurricane-hit St Elizabeth
Latest News, News
Verona Foundation brings relief to hurricane-hit St Elizabeth
December 31, 2025
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica —Determined to carry on her mother’s benevolence, Kerry-Ann Henry started the Verona Foundation shortly after her death in Augus...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Applications for NHT 2018  contribution refund open on January 1
Latest News, News
Applications for NHT 2018 contribution refund open on January 1
December 31, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The National Housing Trust (NHT) says it will commence accepting applications for a refund of contributions made in 2018 on January ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Jamaicans invited to ring in new year at fireworks festivals across the island
Latest News, News
Jamaicans invited to ring in new year at fireworks festivals across the island
December 31, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans across the island are invited to ring in the New Year at the annual national fireworks celebration, hosted by the Urban ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
WATCH: No evictions planned at Petersfield High shelter, says Minister McKenzie
Latest News, News
WATCH: No evictions planned at Petersfield High shelter, says Minister McKenzie
December 31, 2025
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Local Government and Community Development Minister Desmond McKenzie has dismissed as “false and mischievous” claims that the ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Israel to ban 37 aid groups operating in Gaza
International News, Latest News
Israel to ban 37 aid groups operating in Gaza
December 31, 2025
JERUSALEM, Undefined (AFP)—Israel plans to ban 37 aid organisations from operating in Gaza from Thursday unless they hand over detailed information on...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Mbappe suffers knee sprain in blow for Real Madrid
International News, Latest News
Mbappe suffers knee sprain in blow for Real Madrid
December 31, 2025
MADRID, Spain (AFP)—Real Madrid on Wednesday said that Kylian Mbappe had suffered a knee sprain, delivering a blow to their bid to reel in Liga leader...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
BOJ extends waiver for high-value ACH transaction penalty
Business, Latest News
BOJ extends waiver for high-value ACH transaction penalty
December 31, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica –The Bank of Jamaica on Wednesday announced an extension of its temporary waiver for a penalty charge on high-value Automated Cleari...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct