Tragedy struck the Spanish island of Majorca on Thursday evening when a two-storey building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuring 16 others. Local emergency services reported that several people are believed to be trapped at the Medusa Beach Club, a beachside restaurant located on Cartago Street in Palma de Majorca, the regional capital.
The incident occurred at approximately 20:30 local time (19:30 BST). Emergency services were finalizing rescue operations and securing the area shortly after midnight local time. The collapse of the building’s floor caused patrons and staff to fall into the basement, exacerbating the disaster.
Palma Fire Chief Eder García informed local media that most of the victims were foreigners and tourists, as reported by El Pais. A spokesperson for the local police suggested that the balcony may have collapsed due to excess weight, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with one man already pulled from the rubble with a broken arm. Officials are operating under the assumption that more individuals remain trapped, and they have asked onlookers to remain silent to help hear survivors.
Palma Mayor Jaime Martínez and the deputy mayor of tourism have traveled to the scene. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and stated that his government is prepared to provide any necessary assistance. The President of the Balearic Islands, Marga Prohens, also expressed her shock and condolences, thanking emergency services and Prime Minister Sánchez for their support.
Majorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 17 million visitors last year.
