There are at least four deaths in the explosion that took place in the Saratoga hotel in the center of Havana in Cuba.
The Cuban media reported this, underlining that there are also 15 injured.
"The first results indicate that the explosion was caused by a gas leak," read a note from the Cuban presidency published on Twitter.
A cloud of smoke and dust has risen from the Prado, the main avenue in the center of Havana where the hotel is located, near the Capitol, which according to initial information was being restored.
The first four floors have been completely wiped out.
The road is littered with debris and shards of glass.
Near the hotel several vehicles were destroyed in the explosion.
Rescuers who arrived in large numbers have closed the perimeter while rescuers search for possible victims in the rubble at the foot of the Saratoga hotel, also known for having hosted several celebrities in recent years, including Madonna and Beyoncé.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel arrived on the scene, accompanied by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero and President of the National Assembly Esteban Lazo.