The collapse of a building in Palma (Mallorca) that housed a restaurant and a bar resulted in four fatalities and 16 injuries, with the fire department stating that overweight was the main cause of the disaster. Among the deceased were a 23-year-old Spanish female worker, a 44-year-old man of Senegalese origin, and two German tourists aged 20 and 30. Seven of the injured are in critical condition. The local government has declared three days of official mourning. The collapsed establishment, the Medusa Beach Club, is a popular spot for young German tourists on the island of Mallorca, known for its numerous entertainment venues and restaurants.
The incident occurred in the evening when the floor of the first floor, which had a glass-enclosed terrace, collapsed onto the ground floor, causing a chain reaction that reached the basement where tables for customers were located. The majority of the fatalities and injuries were found in the basement after the collapse. Eyewitnesses and nearby residents rushed to help the wounded before emergency services arrived. Firefighters, local police, and national police worked for hours to locate possible victims using drones until the operation was concluded in the early hours. The area was cordoned off to prevent access due to the high foot traffic during this time of year, and customers of nearby establishments were evacuated as a precaution.
Among the victims was a 44-year-old man of Senegalese origin, described by his friends as someone who often visited the club before heading to work at another nearby establishment. The man was friends with the 23-year-old Spanish woman who also perished in the collapse. Family and friends of the victims, many of whom were foreigners, experienced moments of anguish throughout the night. The community in Playa de Palma was deeply saddened by the tragedy, particularly those who were familiar with the Medusa Beach Club. Residents recalled the club being a popular spot for dining and drinks, emphasizing that it was not a nightclub. The recently renovated establishment had reopened recently, with the collapsed terrace being a new addition.
The morning after the incident, residents and neighbors in the area expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy. Many recalled their visits to the club and shared how the community was affected by the events. Witnesses described the chaos and efforts to rescue those trapped in the rubble. The collapse of the building has raised concerns about the safety and regulations of establishments in the area, with questions surrounding the integrity of the structure and the cause of the collapse. The authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the full extent of the damage and the circumstances leading to the collapse. As the community mourns the loss of life, there is a call for greater vigilance and safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
