UPDATE 1 - 18 die after suspected gas leak explosion hits hotel in Cuba

UPDATES DEATH TOLL, INJURED, CHANGES HEADLINE, DATELINE, BYLINE

By Merve Berker and Laura Gamba

ANKARA / BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - A strong explosion occurred on Friday at the Saratoga Hotel in the Cuban capital of Havana, causing serious damage to the hotel and resulting in multiple casualties, the Cuban government reported.

So far 18 people have died and 64 others were injured.

Earlier, President Miguel Diaz Canel visited the scene of the explosion.

"Search and rescue work continues in the hotel, where it is still possible that there are still people trapped," said the government in an earlier tweet.

Fire rescuers and police are at the scene looking for survivors. Videos have emerged of locals trying to rescue the wounded that are stuck under the rubble.

The Cuban government is reporting that the explosion was likely due to liquified gas work being done at the hotel.

Posts on social media showed the hotel building with serious damage and debris littered the street. Surrounding buildings were also damaged while buses and cars outside the hotel were destroyed.

The blast happened around noon at the Saratoga Hotel, located on the Paseo del Prado, in old Havana city. The building is located near the historic Capitolio building and a school, where children were evacuated.

People have posted videos showing large amounts of debris littering the street and smoke and flames coming from the building. People are seen running through the sector amidst the confusion.