surinenglish

National

At least three dead in Madrid city centre explosion

The affected building in the centre of Madrid.
The affected building in the centre of Madrid. / REUTERS

  • Emergency services have confirmed that three people have died - and a field hospital has been set in the area up to treat the injured

  • MATEO BALÍN

A powerful blast has partially destroyed a building in the centre of Madrid this Wednesday afternoon, killing at least three people according the emergency services.

The city’s mayor, José Luis Martínez Almeida, has said the inside of the building is on fire so it is not “prudent” for firefighters to enter.

A field hospital has been set up in the area to treat injured persons.

The building is next to the Virgen de la Paloma church and the La Salle La Paloma school.

The mayor said that the blast affected the upper four storeys of the building and that rubble had fallen into a school yard attached to the premises.

Nearby there is also a care home, Los Nogales La Paloma. A spokesman for the residence has reported that "no resident or employee has been injured".

The mayor said a gas explosion is the most likely cause of the blast.

Noticias relacionadas