Madrid, 7 October 2025 — At least four construction workers were reported missing on Tuesday after a building under renovation partly collapsed in central Madrid, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Incident Details
The collapse occurred inside a five-storey structure near the city’s Opera House and Royal Palace, leaving the facade intact but causing several floors to give way. Authorities confirmed that three men and one woman employed on the site were unaccounted for.
Emergency services said three workers were injured, including one with a broken leg who was taken to hospital. Others sustained minor injuries.
Rescue Efforts
Madrid’s Deputy Mayor Inma Sanz described the collapse as severe, noting that the upper floors fell inwards, creating a significant volume of rubble that will take days to clear. Firefighters and police deployed drones, sniffer dogs, and specialist teams to search for survivors.
Eyewitness Accounts
One worker who escaped the collapse told reporters he saw a cloud of dust and ran for safety. “I was the first to run. I didn’t care about anything else. I’ll save my life first and, if I can, save others later,” he said.
Building Background
The property, located on Calle de las Hileras, was undergoing conversion into a hotel by developer Rehbilita, according to its website. The company has not yet commented on the incident.
Outlook
Authorities have sealed off the area as investigations continue into the cause of the collapse. Officials warned that the search for the missing workers will be complex and prolonged, given the scale of the debris.
Collapsed Building Picture by Picaroon9288 | For Illustration purposes only
Sources: Reuters; Associated Press; Madrid Emergency Services.
