In Spain's renowned tourist destination of Mallorca, tragedy struck as the roof of a restaurant collapsed, claiming the lives of four individuals and injuring 21 others, according to local rescuers.
The incident, which occurred in the Playa de Palma area, south of the capital Palma de Mallorca, saw a two-storey building give way late Thursday afternoon. Emergency services responded swiftly, with firefighters and ambulances rushing to the scene. The injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals, where some were reported to be in critical condition.
Rescuers, amidst the chaos, continued their efforts to locate any individuals trapped beneath the rubble, as the exact cause of the collapse remained uncertain.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his condolences to the families affected, pledging full support from the central government. He assured that all necessary resources would be provided to assist the regional authorities in managing the aftermath of the incident.
Local leaders, including Balearic Islands President Marga Prohens, conveyed shock and sympathy, extending support to the bereaved families. The incident casts a somber shadow over Mallorca, renowned for its picturesque beaches and attracting millions of tourists annually.
This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of a similar incident in 2009, when a building collapse in Palma de Mallorca claimed the lives of seven individuals, underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures in the region.