Alongside the head of state were also Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, Parliament’s 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 Havanians gathered to observe a minute’s silence and bring candles and flowers to the victims of the accident.

The Cuban president decreed this 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.

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