A tragic incident has struck the popular tourist destination of Palma de Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. A two-story restaurant building, the Medusa Beach Club, collapsed near the beach, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to more than a dozen others, according to local police.
The collapse, which occurred on Thursday, claimed the lives of two German tourists, a Spanish waitress, and a Senegalese man, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the city council. The victims were at the beachside restaurant when the building suddenly gave way, causing widespread panic and devastation.
Eder Garcia, the chief of Palma de Mallorca’s fire department, addressed the media on Friday, providing insights into the likely causes of the collapse. “Investigations are still ongoing, but everything points to a combination of an outdated structure and being overweight,” Garcia stated. He emphasized that the terrace structure of the building was outdated and the excess weight it carried likely contributed to the disaster.
Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, working tirelessly to rescue those trapped under the rubble and provide medical attention to the injured. The incident has cast a sombre shadow over the vibrant tourist hub, known for its picturesque beaches and bustling nightlife.
The local government and city council have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact causes of the collapse and to prevent such tragedies in the future. The safety of buildings and structures in the area is expected to come under increased scrutiny as authorities seek to reassure both residents and tourists.