At least four people have died and 16 others have been injured after a beach club collapsed in Palma, Majorca.
Seven are said to be in critical condition after being crushed under the rubble, with some still trapped inside the building.
15
Rescuers at the scene are trying to free the trapped people from the buildingCredit: Solarpix
15
Emergency workers prepare stretchers on the road for the injured Credit: Solarpix
15
Firefighters work in the ruins of the building all nightCredit: AFP
15
Ambulances lined the streets of Palma on Thursday eveningCredit: AFP
15
People comfort each other during rescue efforts near the clubCredit: Solarpix
15
The two-storey Medusa Beach Club – the upper terrace is believed to have collapsed Credit: Solarpix
15
Collapsed club sign after collapse Credit: Unpixs
The Medusa Beach Club terrace is believed to have collapsed around 8.30pm as neighbors heard screams and called the police.
Hordes of emergency vehicles quickly filled the streets, including at least seven fire trucks and lines of ambulances.
Pictures show rescuers setting up ladders and cordons around the building as they try to free those still inside.
Those who escaped from the collapsed building were treated for their injuries on the street.
Heartbreaking images show dozens of people comforting each other on the road as they waited for news.
Psychologists were also called to the scene to help those suffering from the trauma of the collapse.
Some bystanders tried to enter the wreckage for fear that their loved ones were trapped inside.
Emergency services could be seen asking people to be quiet as they listened for sounds of someone inside.
About 100 rescuers are ready to work through the night in an attempt to rescue those under the remains of the building and treat evacuees.
Initial reports suggest up to 10 people are trapped, with officials yet to confirm how many more may be inside.
Of the 16 injured, 9 were “seriously” wounded while seven were “very seriously” injured, officials said.
They were rushed to different hospitals in the capital of Majorca.
Two young tourists and a foreign worker are among the four confirmed dead, although their nationalities are not yet known.
15
Firefighters used crane equipment to pull people out of the rubbleCredit: Unpixs
15
Rescuers in the early hours of Friday morning Credit: Unpixs
15
People were treated by street doctorsCredit: Solarpix
Eyewitnesses instead said the upper terrace of the beach club restaurant collapsed, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reported.
Catalan news outlet Rac 1 claims that the top floor “collapsed into the basement” of the place.
Police sources told the paper that there is now a “cavity in the rubble” where they rescued the worker – who was left with a broken arm.
According to La Linterna, authorities had to call in a crane company to help lift the debris from the building.
There are fears that ongoing rescue efforts could cause much of the building to collapse.
Have you been there? Do you know someone affected by a collapse? Contact [email protected] and [email protected] or WhatsApp 07741005808 free if you have any information.
Raul, an employee from a neighboring store, told CadenaSER: “Everything fell, completely.
“It was very loud and there were a lot of people inside.
“There was a very loud sound. There were people eating, people upstairs… the top floor fell.”
Santiago Aranda, who was walking his dog at the time of the collapse, told La Linterna: “I have no words to describe it.
“There was an explosion, and we were in the street across the street.
He described the horror scene, saying “some ran in the opposite direction and others towards the dust” after the collapse.
Aranda, who was with his wife at the time, said he stayed behind to help “get people out” amid “screams, wails and cries.”
A local official confirmed overnight: “We can now update information on the number of people affected by the collapse of the building on Cartago Street in Playa de Palma.
“Four people were killed, seven people were seriously injured, and nine were seriously injured.
“They were taken to different hospitals in Palma.”
All the ambulances in Palma were transferred to Cartago Street, full of rescuers until late at night.
Abdoulaye Diop, a Senegalese migrant living in Majorca, is the first of those killed last night to be named.
He worked as a doorman in a nightclub in the area, and in 2017 he saved a man from drowning in Palma.
The president of the Balearic Islands, Marga Prohens, wrote on X: “Shocked by the information I received about the collapse of Platja de Palma.
“I send all my love and warmth to the families of the four people who lost their lives in this tragic incident and I wish recovery to all those injured.
“Thank you to all emergency services that were dispatched to the scene and continue to work.”
Spanish President Pedro Sanchez also said: “I am closely following the consequences of the terrible landslide that happened on Palma beach.
“I want to express my condolences to the families of the deceased, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Medusa Beach Club is located just a few meters from Cullera Beach in Palma.
Playa de Palma is a beach resort east of the capital, popular with tourists.
Approximately 3.2 million Britons travel to Mallorca each year.
15
Emergency workers set up cordons after the collapse around 20:30 Credit: @GRUP4COM
15
Firefighters attempt to secure the rubble with ladders to rescue those trapped insideCredit: Solarpix
15
The road around the Medusa Beach Club was closed after the collapse Credit: EFE
15
Firefighters and medics worked until the night Credit: EFE
15
Medusa Beach Club in Majorca – just a few meters from the beach Credits: Solarpix
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education