A powerful explosion has damaged a five-star hotel in the downtown area of Cuba’s capital Havana, state media has said.
Cuban news agency ACN published photos showing severe damage to the multi-storey Hotel Saratoga and clouds of dust billowing into the sky.
It was not immediately clear if there were deaths or injuries.
Photos from Granma, the Cuban communist party’s official daily newspaper, showed images of the hotel walls which appeared to have been blown out by the blast.
Police and rescue workers flocked to the scene, cordoning off key points and buildings nearby, including the historic El Capitolio building.
The 96-room hotel is located in the historic centre of Old Havana and contains bars, restaurants, a spa, a gym and a rooftop pool, according to its website.
A Reuters witness also saw smoke and flames coming from the building.
According to travel agency, The Healthy Holiday Company, deluxe rooms at the hotel can cost between £400-598 per person for a three-night stay.
