Downtown Madrid Explosion Caused By "Gas Leak"

Wednesday, 20 January 2021

 Watch Live: Madrid Explosion 



Update (1007 ET): Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida suspects the blast was caused by a gas leak. 

 

 

BBC's Ali Kheradpir also reports, "the cause of a massive explosion in Madrid, Spain was due to gas leaking. At least six people injured."

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Update (1000 ET): AFP reports nine fire crews and 11 ambulances were dispatched to the scene.  

AFP tweeted a couple of pictures of the building that sustained heavy damage after an explosion. 

 

Close up view

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Update (0945 ET): Law enforcement in Spain confirm "a big explosion in a building on Toledo street in Madrid."

Police said, "There are already agents working in the area. Please don't come to browse Groups of people or private vehicles can hinder the arrival and work of the emergency services."

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A massive explosion rocked downtown Madrid on Wednesday, according to local newspaper El País.

"A strong explosion, the causes of which are unknown, has shaken a property in the center of Madrid around three in the afternoon. The powerful deflagration has blown up the three upper floors of the block, located on Toledo Street," El País said. 

Two witnesses told Reuters they heard a loud explosion. A plume of smoke can be seen in the neighborhood after the blast. 

 

Video from the explosion has transformed the entire street into what appears to be a warzone. Police are saying the surrounding area around the collapsed building is being evacuated.

 

 

One image from the scene appears to show a building structure blown apart. 

 

First responders have arrived. 


The plume of smoke can be seen across town.

 

 

Someone on Twitter posted a stunning before and after picture of the blown-up building, suggesting the explosion was powerful. 

 

 

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