Emergency services on the Spanish island of Majorca are engaged in a frantic search for survivors following the collapse of a two-story restaurant, resulting in four fatalities while 16 sustained injuries.
The incident occurred at the Medusa Beach Club, a beachside eatery located in a bustling area of Palma de Majorca, with reports indicating that multiple individuals may be trapped beneath the debris.
The structure collapsed around 20:30 local time on Thursday evening, with patrons and staff plummeting into the basement below.
Police attribute the collapse to excessive weight on the terrace, although investigations are ongoing.
Rescue teams have urged silence in the area to aid in the detection of survivors amidst the rubble. Describing the scene as “nightmarish,” a firefighter recounted the chaos upon arrival, with cries and screams echoing as people gathered around the collapsed building.
Raúl Pursnami, owner of a nearby fashion store, provided an eyewitness account of the tragic event.
He said, “I can hardly even speak. There were people eating, they were on vacation and now look what happened.”
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the four victims, identified as three women and one man.
One of the victims was a young man who had just finished his gym session and was enjoying his daily coffee at the restaurant.
Officials plan to deploy psychology experts to provide support to those affected by the traumatic event.
The UK Foreign Office refrained from confirming whether any British nationals were among those impacted by the collapse.
The officer stated, “We are aware of an incident in Palma, and there are currently no reports of British nationals having been involved. We remain in contact with the Spanish authorities.”
One individual was rescued from the debris with a broken arm, and rescue teams continue to operate under the assumption that additional individuals may be trapped.
The City Council of Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands, has declared three days of mourning.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed condolences to the families of the victims, emphasising his government’s readiness to provide any necessary assistance.
Marga Prohens, the president of the Balearic Islands, expressed her shock over the incident and extended sympathies to the victims’ families.
She also expressed gratitude to the emergency services and acknowledged Mr. Sánchez for his support.
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