China deeply saddened by Havana explosion fatalities

Firefighters remove debris from the ruins of the Saratoga Hotel, in Havana, on May 6, 2022. (ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP)

BEIJING – China is deeply saddened by the loss of life from a hotel explosion in Havana, Cuba, and expresses its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and the injured, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Saturday.

Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that China and Cuba are good comrades, good friends and good brothers with a long-standing and profound friendship.

"In this moment of grief, the Chinese government and people stand firmly with the Cuban government and people," he said.

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The explosion, believed to have been caused by a gas leak, has killed at least 26 people and injured 64 others, according to the Cuban Presidential Office.