At least 8 dead after possible gas leak causes explosion at Hotel Saratoga in downtown Havana
USA TodaySep 09, 2022
The Facts
Fatalities from a blast at a downtown Havana hotel on Fri. morning grew to 31 on Sun. as search crews hunted through the rubble of the building looking for people still missing. At least 54 people were reportedly injured, with 24 hospitalized.
An investigation is still underway, but the blast is believed to have been caused by a gas tanker parked outside the Saratoga Hotel in Old Havana igniting.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Building collapses are unfortunately all too common in Cuba due to its inefficient centrally planned economy. While the government prioritizes healthcare and education, building safety has been woefully neglected, despite adverse natural conditions.
Pro-establishment narrative
This blast was an ill-fated event. The hotel had recently been refurbished, and the tragic accident had nothing to do with the building's structure or the government's priorities.
