On January 20th, 2021, an explosion shook the heart of Madrid, Spain. The blast occurred in a building belonging to the Church of the Virgen de la Paloma in Calle Toledo, one of the city’s busiest streets. The incident took place just before 3 pm local time and sent smoke billowing into the sky.
What Happened?
According to initial reports, the explosion was caused by a gas leak. The building was used as a residence for priests and also had a nursing home for elderly residents on its lower floors. Firefighters and rescue workers rushed to the scene to evacuate those trapped inside.
The Aftermath
The explosion caused significant damage to the building and surrounding structures. Windows were shattered, and debris was scattered across the street.
Emergency services reported that at least three people died in the incident, including two men aged 35 and 45 who were found among the rubble. A third person, an 85-year-old woman who lived in the nursing home, later died of her injuries.
Response
The Spanish government expressed its condolences to those affected by this tragedy. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez tweeted that he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and pledged his support for Madrid’s regional government in dealing with this crisis.
The Archbishop of Madrid, Carlos Osoro Sierra, also expressed his condolences and urged people to pray for those affected by this tragedy.
Investigation
An investigation is currently underway to determine what caused this explosion. Initial reports suggest that it was likely due to a gas leak, but authorities have yet to confirm this officially.
Conclusion
The explosion in Madrid has been a devastating incident that has claimed several lives and caused extensive damage. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy during these difficult times. We hope that the investigation will provide answers soon and bring closure to those who have been affected by this incident.