At least 32 people have died and more than 80 have been hospitalised after a massive explosion rocked one of Cuba's most exclusive five-star hotels.

It is believed a gas tanker which was parked outside the Saratoga Hotel in Old Havana ignited, causing an explosion which destroyed several floors of the building.

The historic hotel was set for a post-pandemic reopening in four days.

It now lies in ruins, with much of its outer wall torn off.

Search and rescue operations are currently under way to locate people trapped under the debris.

The Cuban presidency said the dead included a pregnant woman and a child.

The injured are being treated at nearby hospitals.

Yazira de la Caridad, who lives a block from the hotel, told CBS News she "thought [the explosion] was an earthquake".

Witnesses said they saw plumes of black smoke and clouds of dust billowing into the sky following the explosion.