dozens injured in gas explosion at madrid bar

At least 25 people have been injured in a gas explosion at a bar in Madrid.

Of those hit by the blast,three have serious injuries and another two potentially serious wounds.

The incident occurred at around 3pm on Manuel Maroto Street in the Puente de Vallecas district of the Spanish capital and also affected the flats above the bar.

Firefighters are clearing up the site by hand,rather than with machinery,due to concerns over the instability of the building.

The explosion collapsed part of an adjoining hall and one of the walls of the bar.

Neighbours told El Pais that the blast occurred in an area treated as an inhabited ground floor.

Police have closed off a section of the street and are directing traffic on adjoining roads.

Ambulances attended the scene,having been stationed at the nearby Amos Acero Park.

At least 25 have been injured in a gas explosion at a bar in Madrid (Picture: X/@EmergenciasMad)

Firefighters clearing up the debris at Bar Mis Tesoros in the Puente de Vallecas district (Picture: @EmergenciasMad)

In a statement on X,Madrid’s council wrote: ‘[Police] have attended to 21 injured people,3 of them serious and 2 potentially serious.

’18 [firefighting] units are continuing to work on removing the debris. They are being joined by the canine unit.

‘The Aerial Support Section of Madrid Police is working with drones.’