Tragic Bar-Restaurant Collapse in Palma de Mallorca Claims Four Lives
In a devastating incident on Thursday evening, the collapse of a bar-restaurant on the seafront of Palma de Mallorca led to the deaths of four individuals and left sixteen others injured. The tragedy occurred at the Medusa Beach Club, a popular spot in the Balearic Islands, an archipelago in southeast Spain renowned for its crystal clear waters and bustling tourist scene.
The victims included two young German tourists aged 20 and 30, a 23-year-old Spanish employee, and a 44-year-old Senegalese man. Authorities have indicated that the probable cause of the accident was the excess weight on the recently renovated terrace, which caused it to give way. Police spokespersons and local officials have confirmed that the injured individuals, including eight Dutch nationals, are currently hospitalized but are out of danger.
Witnesses to the incident described the noise of the collapse as being like 'a bomb'. According to Trece Santiago Aranda, who was present at the scene, it was a moment of chaos and fear, with people screaming and calling for help in various languages. The three-level building housed the Medusa Beach Club, a basement bar named CocoRico, and was a bustling venue at the time of the incident.
Investigation and Response
Authorities are vigorously investigating the cause of the collapse, focusing on the age of the structure and the weight load as the primary factors. Palma's fire chief, Eder García, confirmed that the collapse began at the first-floor terrace, which subsequently caused the ground floor to cave in on the basement level. The rescue operations, which lasted part of the night, primarily retrieved victims from the basement bar.
In response to the catastrophe, a minute of silence was observed in Palma on Friday. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences for the loss of lives and pointed out that such tragic events underline the importance of stringent safety checks and building regulations. It's worth noting that the Balearic Islands welcomed more than 14 million foreign tourists in 2023, making it one of the most frequented regions in Spain.
- The Senegalese victim had previously made headlines in 2017 for saving a swimmer from drowning, highlighting his bravery and local recognition. The two German victims were on holiday, enjoying the vivid nightlife and scenic beauty of Palma de Mallorca.
- The tragic accident has revived memories of a 2009 incident where a three-story building in Palma de Mallorca collapsed, resulting in seven fatalities, including two Germans and three Colombians. This has raised questions about the safety of old structures that have undergone renovations.
- Residents have voiced their concerns about the recent renovations at the Medusa Beach Club. Prior to the tragedy, the club’s social media had boasted about its 'new rooftop', which is now under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation.
