Havana [Cuba], May 7 (ANI/Sputnik): Eighteen people, including a pregnant woman and child, died as a result of a powerful explosion that destroyed the Saratoga hotel in Havana on Friday, the Cuban presidential administration said on Saturday.

"Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel thanked friendly countries for the solidarity shown in the face of the Saratoga Hotel accident. According to preliminary figures announced at the meeting, 18 people were killed, including a pregnant woman and child," the administration said after the meeting.

Also Read | Havana Blast: 8 Killed, 30 Injured in Gas Leak Explosion at Five-Star Hotel in Cuba.

The Cuban authorities said earlier in the day that nine people died and 40 injured as a result of the explosion. (ANI/Sputnik)

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