Madrid explosion: Huge blast destroys Toledo Street building

A seven-story building has recently been destroyed in an explosion that rocked Madrid’s Toledo Street just before 3pm, leaving several people injured and at least one person trapped in the rubble.

What caused the explosion?

Videos posted to social media show Toledo street strewn with rubble and smoke. It is not yet been confirmed what ignited the blast although police believe it could be the fault of a gas leak. Madrid’s Civil Protection department took to Twitter to warn the public:

Ongoing incident in the area of #PuertodeToledo. Please avoid the area and clear the way to emergency resources...will be informed if specific recommendations are necessary.

The blast occurred in the upper floors of a seventh story building in Toledo street which affected both a nearby school as well an elderly care home and a church. However, the building most affected has been reported to belong to the Catholic archbishop of Madrid.

A witness told Madrid newspaper ABC that ‘everything shook like a bomb’ and ‘much of the facade has fallen.’

Was anyone injured?

Local residents were evacuated immediately following the blast while students were told to keep safe inside. Authorities have confirmed that at least six people were injured in the explosion but have yet to share more details. One witness also spoke to TeleMadrid TV claiming that there was at least one person trapped inside the rubble.

Although there were no reports of initial casualties, the Mayor of Madrid has confirmed that there have been at least two deaths. However, more information will be released as the scene continued to be investigated.