A desperate search for survivors is underway after a two-storey beach club collapsed on the Spanish island of Majorca, killing four people and injuring 16, according to local authorities.
Meanwhile, several people are believed to be trapped under the debris at the site of the Medusa Beach Club, a beachfront restaurant and entertainment venue in one of the busiest areas of the capital of Palma Island.
The building collapsed at about 20:30 local time on Thursday night.
The collapse of the terrace of the two-storey building trapped people in the basement, where customers and staff were located.
According to a local police spokesperson, the porch may have collapsed due to excessive weight, but the exact cause is too early to determine and is under investigation.
One firefighter described the scene as “nightmarish” in the local newspaper Ultima Hora. He added that when his team arrived, people were crying and screaming as they stood around the debris on the floor.
Palma’s city council announced a three-day mourning period.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, sent condolences to the families of the victims.
He said that he is closely following all the latest developments and that his government is ready to send all the necessary assistance.
The President of the Balearic Islands, Marga Prohens, was shocked by the incident and sent her condolences to the families of the victims.
Ms Prohens thanked the emergency services, as well as Mr Sánchez for his support.
Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearic Islands cluster and last year welcomed more than 17 million travellers.
The Medusa Beach Club, a restaurant and entertainment centre, is located in Playa de Palma, near Palma, the island’s capital and largest city. It is located on Calle de Cartago – Carthage Street – overlooking the Bay of Palma.
Photos before the accident showed that the Medusa, had three levels, with large terraces on the middle and upper floors, supported by columns.
