Explosion in Madrid bar injures 21, three in serious condition

A powerful explosion ripped through a bar in Madrid’s Vallecas neighbourhood on Saturday, leaving 21 people injured, three of them seriously, according to Spanish emergency services. The blast, which caused parts of the café’s ceiling to collapse, sent debris, bricks, and glass across the street, creating scenes of chaos as first responders rushed to the site.

Footage released by Madrid emergency services on X (formerly Twitter) showed firefighters clearing rubble inside the premises. The force of the explosion ripped doors off their hinges, shattered windows, and left twisted metal scattered on the ground. Outside, paramedics were seen carrying one of the victims away on a stretcher as shocked residents gathered nearby.

Authorities confirmed that civil protection teams and medical responders treated 21 people at the scene. Of these, three were in a “serious” condition, while two others were classified as “potentially serious.” The remaining victims sustained minor injuries, many from flying debris and shattered glass.

Emergency officials deployed both sniffer dogs and drones to assist in the search-and-rescue efforts, ensuring no one was trapped under the collapsed sections of the building. Firefighters worked methodically to secure the structure and prevent further hazards, while police cordoned off the surrounding streets to keep bystanders away from the dangerous site.

The explosion’s cause has not yet been determined, though investigators are expected to examine whether a gas leak was involved—a common risk in older neighbourhoods of Madrid. Local residents described hearing a thunderous boom that shook buildings and left many rushing into the streets in panic.

Spain has witnessed similar incidents in recent years, with gas-related blasts causing injuries and structural damage in residential and commercial areas. Saturday’s explosion is among the most serious to hit the capital this year.

As of Saturday night, emergency teams remained on-site, continuing clearance operations and supporting the injured. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area while investigations are underway.

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