Madrid: A sudden and powerful explosion struck a popular café in Madrid’s Vallecas district on Saturday afternoon, leaving 21 people injured, three of them in serious condition, authorities reported. The blast, which occurred around 3:00 p.m. local time, sent shockwaves through the densely populated neighborhood, shattering windows and igniting panic among residents and passersby.
Emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes, evacuating the injured and providing critical medical care. Ambulances and firefighting units cordoned off the area as investigators assessed the scale of the damage. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos, with tables overturned, debris scattered across the street, and terrified civilians trying to escape the area.
At present, the cause of the explosion remains unclear. Local authorities, in collaboration with national security agencies, have launched a thorough investigation to determine whether the incident was accidental, related to a gas leak, or a deliberate act. Experts are examining the café’s infrastructure, gas connections, and security footage to piece together the events leading up to the explosion.
The local government has urged residents to remain calm while expressing deep concern for the victims. “Our priority is the immediate care of the injured and ensuring the safety of everyone in the area,” said a spokesperson for Madrid’s municipal authorities. “We will leave no stone unturned in understanding how this tragedy occurred.”
The incident has cast a pall over the city, with community members coming together to support those affected. Relief centers have been set up nearby to provide aid and temporary shelter to those displaced or traumatized by the blast. As the investigation continues, Madrid braces for answers, while emergency services work tirelessly to restore normalcy in the wake of this unsettling event.