Technical urban planners from the City Council of Palma and officers from the National Police are investigating whether the renovations carried out in the building that housed a restaurant and nightclub that collapsed last night contributed to the building’s collapse, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to 16 others of varying degrees. Authorities are currently looking into the permits and necessary documentation to determine if the renovations, done this winter, were conducted through the appropriate channels. The Medusa Beach Club, located on the waterfront in the Platja de Palma area, was a popular spot for young German tourists with numerous establishments and restaurants. The building, constructed in 1972, collapsed due to the first-floor terrace falling, causing the two lower floors to collapse as well.
Before being converted into a beach club, the building was a Mexican restaurant with no first floor, as seen in photographs from 2018. The same company that operated the Mexican restaurant was running the current club, owned by a foreign citizen focused on hotel, bar, restaurant, and cafe management. Construction experts on the island explain that any renovation requires licenses, permits, and a project, followed by registration of the work in the land registry and cadaster as a new structure, which was not done in this case. The lack of updated information in the cadaster could be due to bureaucratic errors or illegal construction. The College of Architects of the Balearic Islands has not found any projects or license requests for the structure.
The collapse occurred as a result of the roof of the first floor, where a glassed terrace was located, falling onto the ground floor, which then gave way to the basement where tables for customers were set up. The combination of excess weight and the age of the building were pinpointed as the likely causes by firefighting authorities and architects. The victims included a Spanish worker, a Senegalese resident, and two German tourists, while 16 others were injured, with six currently hospitalized, all Dutch nationals. The City Council of Palma will cover funeral costs for the Spanish victim and the Senegalese man, and the Balearic Government is offering psychological support to the families of the deceased.
The friends of the two deceased individuals from Palma, a Senegalese man and a Spanish woman who worked in the club, gathered at the site of the collapse to mourn their loss. The Senegalese man had lived in Palma for 18 years and was known for his work in the nightlife scene, having previously received recognition from the Palma Police for a heroic rescue. The Spanish woman was described as a kind person who balanced her job at the club with work at a department store. The area remains restricted to the public, as it is a busy location, while authorities continue to investigate the incident to ensure the safety of neighboring properties. Witnesses at the scene tried to assist the injured until emergency services arrived, demonstrating solidarity and support for the victims.
The ongoing investigation involves collaboration between the National Police, urban planners, and construction experts to determine the exact cause of the collapse and whether any unauthorized renovations or structural modifications contributed to the tragic event. The incident has raised concerns about building safety and compliance with construction regulations on the island, prompting authorities to review existing structures for potential risks. The community has come together to mourn the loss of the victims and support their families during this difficult time, emphasizing the need for thorough inspections and oversight to prevent future disasters. Measures are being taken to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
