HAVANA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Cuban government confirmed Friday that 26 patients had died at a psychiatric hospital in the capital city of Havana in a rare cold snap.

    The Health Ministry said the deaths were all related to "prolonged low temperatures" in Boyers city where the hospital is located.

    But it said the patients -- all in old age -- died of natural causes. "They all died of such diseases as psychiatric disease, natural biological deterioration, respiratory infections and complications of chronic diseases, " said the statement.

    In response to allegations that negligence and the lack of resources in the hospital also contributed to the deaths, the ministry said it has launched an investigation, which might lead to criminal proceedings.