Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel tonight attended the vigil held in front of the Saratoga Hotel in Havana to pay homage to the 46 victims of the May 6 accidental explosion.

Havana, Cuba.- Alongside the head of state were also Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, Parliament Speaker Esteban Lazo, as well as other officials of the Cuban Communist Party and government.

At the Parque de la Fraternidad (Fraternity Park), relatives, friends of the deceased, as well as members of the Fire Brigade, the Red Cross, public health personnel, and thousands of Havana inhabitants gathered to observe a minute's silence and bring candles and flowers to the victims of the accident.

The Cuban president decreed on Thursday official mourning from 06:00 on May 13 until 00:00 local time on May 14 as a tribute to the victims.

Messages of sympathy and solidarity have been received from around the world to convey condolences for the tragedy. (PL)