Madrid building collapse: Scramble to find 4 missing people after hotel disaster | World | News

A building collapsed in central Madrid and four people were reported missing. Emergency services rushed to a rescue effort after several floors collapsed inside an under-construction hotel on Hileras Street, leaving several injured.

Initially, three men and a woman were reported missing according to Madrid City officials, but sources from the national police confirmed two, the Spanish news organization reported. El País. According to Madrid emergency services, one construction worker was hospitalized for a leg fracture, while others were treated for injuries and shock.

A spokesman added that crews were working to stabilize the building in the capital’s historic center so they could begin clearing debris and allow the municipal police canine unit to enter and search the missing.

A construction worker who wished to remain anonymous told El Pais: “There could have been up to 40 people inside the building. At the moment of collapse, we heard a noise from the floors and then just a cloud of dust.”

Residents also reported feeling a tremor in the street as soon as it collapsed on Tuesday, October 7.

Francisco Martín, Spanish Government delegate in Madrid, told Local Press that the number of workers in the building, located near the popular Puerta del Sol Square, was still being determined.

Authorities were analyzing the possible impact on neighboring buildings and the “entire perimeter” had been evacuated, he added. He described it as a workplace incident.

Businesses located close to the site reported that the streets were “packed” with ambulances and police.

It is understood that the six-storey building, built in 1965, is under construction to become a four-star hotel. Sources involved in the investigation said that a large crane was installed on the pier at the Spanish exit.