Spain pub explosion leaves at least 12 injured in tourist hotspot
Emergency services were called to the Casa Javi bar in Lo Pagan, a coastal town in San Pedro del Pinatar, shortly before 12.30pm local time. It is located at the northern tip of the Murcia region's Mediterranean coastline.
Despite being less tourist-heavy than major Spanish resorts, the region has seen a surge in visitors - with more than 320,000 foreign tourists arriving between January and April this year, nearly 20% more than in the same period last year, according to Euro Weekly News.
More than 25 calls were made by members of the public reporting the blast. According to regional news outlet La7, police, firefighters and ambulances rushed to the scene within minutes.
Images from the site show the bar's awning ripped apart, with doors and debris scattered across a busy market street in the centre of Lo Pagan. Several surrounding stalls and businesses also suffered damage in what officials have described as a "powerful explosion".
According to Euro Weekly News, the blast was caused by a gas explosion and investigations are ongoing.
The bar was closed at the time, however the town's weekly street market was taking place just outside the premises - leading to multiple injuries among bystanders and marketgoers.
Of the 12 people injured, three sustained serious injuries. One person was transferred to the intensive care unit at the Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital in Murcia, while another was admitted to the hospital's burns unit. A third seriously injured person was taken to Los Arcos del Mar Menor Hospital in nearby San Javier.
Three others with less serious injuries were treated between Los Arcos and Santa Lucia Hospital in Cartagena. Seven people suffered minor injuries and were attended to at a local health center. No fatalities have been reported.
Emergency crews remain on site investigating the full extent of the damage.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
20 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Travel alert for Irish tourists in Spain after airport roof collapses in ‘cloud of dust' during 5.4 magnitude earthquake
IRISH tourists may see their travel plans impacted after an airport roof collapsed amid a 5.4 magnitude earthquake in Spain. The earthquake was felt in hundreds of towns and villages across seven provinces in Andalucia and the country's Levante region. 4 The roof in the airport collapsed following the earthquake Credit: Solarpix 4 The 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck southern Spain Credit: X 4 The earthquake was also felt in Malaga Credit: Alamy The roof collapse is understood to have occurred around an hour after the first tremors were felt at 7.14am this morning. Tiles from a suspended ceiling in a cafe in the departures lounge at Almeria Airport came down following the quake. There are no reports of any injuries but the area where the material damage occurred has been cordoned off. It was not immediately clear how many travellers had been in the cafe affected at the time. READ MORE ON EARTHQUAKE A worker told local press: 'We heard some noises one after the other and then a loud bang and a great cloud of dust appeared. 'It was a real scare for us. 'There were A Toyota showroom in Huercal de Almeria a 10-minute drive from the provincial capital Almeria also suffered roof damage. Most read in News Travel And video footage taken by a local who felt the tremors showed a ceiling lightshade rocking back and forth in an apartment. The effects of the World's bravest newsreader calmly carries on presenting during horror 6.5-mag EARTHQUAKE - as studio shakes around her It was more powerful than the catastrophic quake in Lorca in Murcia in 2011 which killed nine people but where the destruction was greater because it hit on land nearer the earth's surface. Quake expert Javier Fernandez Fraile said today: 'If it had been near a city and closer to the surface it could have been far more destructive.' Initial reports said the earthquake had been felt in around 300 places in seven provinces, and most intensely in 17 municipalities in Almeria as well as in parts of North She said: "We have decided to evacuate and transfer the 71 patients to the hospitals of Sant Camil, Bellvitge, Igualada, Sant Boi, and Viladecans." TRAVEL ALERT FOR SPAIN Authorities have issued the following advice to all residents and tourists in the affected area as they assess the damage caused by the earthquake. They urged people to avoid damaged buildings and stay clear of cliffs and unstable structures, as they may be deemed unsafe as they need to be carefully checked for their structure after the natural event. And people are encouraged to follow local emergency updates to stay on top of updates and advice to stay safe. A mobile alert was also reportedly sent to residents in Almeria and Granada, warning of the quake. The alert advised on what to do after an earthquake, including wearing shoes before moving around - even indoors - and checking for The message also warned that aftershocks were possible. The Embassy of Ireland in Madrid warned that the Spanish meteorological agency issued a red weather warning for parts of Spain. They said: "The Spanish meteorological agency has issued a red rain warning for parts of Catalonia and Aragon. "Irish citizens should follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you require consular assistance, please contact the Irish Embassy in Madrid on +34 914364093." 4 Almeria airport remains operational Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
20 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Futuristic luxury yacht dubbed the ‘Sea Spaceship' revealed – offering a ‘refined escape' with seven-figure price tag
A FUTURISTIC luxury yacht that's dubbed a "sea spaceship" has been unveiled. The vast, sci-fi looking ship has been designed for high-speed cruising - and comes with an equally soaring price tag. Advertisement 7 The futuristic-looking VanDutch 75 yacht Credit: Jam Press/VanDutch Yachts 7 Pricing will vary depending on the configuration Credit: Jam Press/VanDutch Yachts 7 The boat has a three-cabin configuration Credit: Jam Press/VanDutch Yachts The VanDutch 75 is capable of reaching speeds up to 40 knots with its twin 1,800 hp MAN V12 engines. According to the yacht brand's website, the model is designed to "reinterpret the unmistakable VanDutch style in a more contemporary and Mediterranean key." Measuring a total of 75ft in length, the yacht's futuristic look also comes with integrated tech throughout. It's design is was inspired by Italian interiors. Advertisement read more in world news Pricing will vary depending on the configuration - but it is expected to run into seven figures. "A natural evolution of the VanDutch DNA, the VD75 is the embodiment of elegance, performance and cutting-edge design," the company described the vessel. "With its huge cockpit and open living space, it offers a refined escape with maximum visibility and sleek simplicity." The boat has a three-cabin configuration below deck, which includes a master suite and a crew quarter for two staff members. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Exclusive The company adds: "The external lines maintain that timeless style behind the success of the VanDutch production, with the addition of some technical details that act as aesthetic elements as well, working together and interacting for maximum integration." It's not the only high-tech vessel to have been launched in recent weeks. Luxury 794ft superyacht 'sea hotel' with five restaurants & mini-marina completes trial before first voyage this summer The Hypersail project uses foils to stay afloat rather than fuel. Advertisement The company's chairman John Elkann said: "[The] America's Cup is regulated and this boat is thought to go beyond rules. "This project gives us the chance to experiment in new areas." 7 It measures a total of 75ft in length Credit: Jam Press/VanDutch Yachts 7 The yacht's futuristic look also comes with integrated tech throughout Credit: Jam Press/VanDutch Yachts Advertisement The Hypersail is currently under construction in Italy. Ferrari aims to complete a prototype by some point in 2026. Elsewhere, a luxury superyacht 'sea hotel' completed its sea trials earlier this year. The Luminara was reported to be offering a glamorous trip that could cost as much as $78,377 (£58,120) for a seven-night trip. Advertisement President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Ernesto Fara said: "With Luminara, we've raised the bar once again, uniting legendary service, elevated design, and an extraordinary onboard experience to further define our distinct approach to ultra-luxury travel at sea. "This remarkable super-yacht opens the door to new destinations and deeper guest experiences, reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful exploration and continuous innovation across the fleet." 7 Futuristic yacht that looks like a sea spaceship has been unveiled Credit: Jam Press/VanDutch Yachts 7 The VanDutch 75 was made for high-speed cruising Credit: Jam Press/VanDutch Yachts Advertisement
Irish Examiner
21 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
'Prices have risen outrageously': Spaniards avoid holiday hotspots overrun by foreign tourists
International holidaymakers are keeping Spaniards off their own sun-kissed beaches due to ever-rising hotel and rental prices during an unprecedented tourism boom. Spain's top 25 Mediterranean and Atlantic coast destinations saw local tourism drop by 800,000 people last year, whereas foreign visitors rose 1.94 million, according to previously unreported official data reviewed by analysis firm inAtlas. The trend looks sure to continue as the world's second-most visited country — after France — anticipates a record 100 million foreign visitors this year. "Prices have risen outrageously. The whole Spanish coast is very expensive," said Wendy Davila, 26. She cancelled an "exorbitant" trip with her boyfriend in Cadiz on the south coast for a cheaper visit to the inland city of Burgos, famed for its Gothic cathedral and the tomb of 11th-century commander El Cid. "Now you don't go on holiday wherever you want, but wherever you can," added Davila, who is nostalgic for childhood beach holidays in Alicante on the Mediterranean. With a population of 48 million — half the number of foreign visitors each year — Spain relies heavily on tourism, which contributes more than 13% of GDP. But protests are growing over housing shortages exacerbated by mass tourism — and could be exacerbated by the indignity for Spaniards being priced out of their favourite holidays. Hotel prices have risen 23% in the past three years to an average of €136 a night, according to data company Mabrian. Beachfront rentals have also climbed 20.3% since mid-2023, according to price monitoring firm Tecnitasa, with most of them booked out for the summer by the first quarter. "It is becoming increasingly difficult for Spanish holidaymakers to afford beachfront tourism rentals," said Tecnitasa group president Jose Maria Basanez. Foreign tourists stayed an average of eight nights at top Spanish beaches last year, with locals only affording half that time and spending a quarter of the money, inAtlas said. In fact, resort hotels are modifying down their forecasts for this summer, even despite the foreign boom, partly because places where residents tend to take their holidays expect slower sales. Spaniards also made near 400,000 fewer trips to the country's major cities in 2024 compared to the previous year, while foreign tourist visits there increased by almost three million. Aware of the brewing discontent and disparities, Spain's socialist government is encouraging international tourists to explore inland attractions to address overcrowding and diversify. "If we want to continue to be leaders in international tourism, we have to decentralise our destinations," tourism minister Jordi Hereu said at the launch of a first campaign to highlight Spain's lesser-known charms in June. We want Europeans and those from other continents to rethink their idea of the Spain they love and visit so much. Spaniards have a strong tradition of escaping for family holidays in the hot summer months, but they are turning more to Airbnb rentals than hotels, and swapping Catalonia or the Balearic Islands for lesser-known destinations in Andalucia or Castille and Leon, where prices are lower and mass tourism is yet to hit. Last year, 1.7 million more Spaniards holidayed in generally more affordable inland areas, according to inAtlas. In the mountain town of El Bosque for example, 100km from the beaches of Cadiz on the Atlantic, the number of Spanish tourists increased by 22% last year. "There may be a certain displacement effect," said Juan Pedro Aznar, professor and researcher at the Madrid-based Esade business school, noting Spaniards' lower purchasing power compared to British and German tourists. For some Spaniards, it is best to avoid the summer crowds altogether. Nurse Maria de la Jara will stay in Madrid this summer, only going south to visit family in Cadiz once the busy season is over. "I used to go to my family's house, but there are more and more foreign tourists in Cadiz and when a cruise ship arrives, the population doubles," said the 51-year-old. "It's overwhelming."
