Madrid Building Collapse Kills Four During Hotel Renovation

A six-story building collapsed in central Madrid on Tuesday. The incident killed four people and injured three others. The collapse occurred during a major renovation project.

The building was being converted into a four-star hotel. Emergency services worked through the night to recover the bodies from the rubble. According to Reuters, the victims were construction workers and the project’s architect.

Search and Rescue Operation Concludes

Madrid firefighters confirmed the recovery of four bodies early Wednesday. The victims included three male construction workers from Ecuador, Mali, and Guinea-Conakry. The project’s 30-year-old architect also died in the collapse.

The building’s interior structure failed, leaving the facade standing. Police and firefighters used drones and sniffer dogs in the operation. The search lasted nearly 15 hours before concluding.

History of Building Deficiencies Revealed

Madrid’s building registry showed the property had a poor rating. Inspections in 2012 and 2022 classified its condition as “unfavourable”. The reports cited issues with the facade, walls, and plumbing systems.

The developer, Rehbilita, was converting the 1965-built offices into a hotel. The project was approved by city authorities in late 2024. It was expected to take two years to complete.

The Madrid building collapse highlights ongoing safety concerns in urban renovation projects. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the tragic incident. This event will likely prompt stricter oversight of construction sites across the city.

Info at your fingertips

What caused the Madrid building collapse?

The exact cause is under investigation. The collapse happened during active renovation work. The building had a history of structural deficiencies noted in prior inspections.

Who were the victims of the collapse?

The four deceased were three construction workers and the project architect. The workers were from Ecuador, Mali, and Guinea-Conakry. The architect was a 30-year-old woman.

Was the building known to have problems?

Yes, official records show it received an “unfavourable” rating. This was due to the poor condition of its facade and internal structures. The last inspection was in 2022.

What was the building being used for?

The former office building was being converted into a four-star hotel. The developer was a company called Rehbilita. The renovation was approved by the city in December 2024.

Who owned the collapsed building?

The property belonged to RSR, a Saudi-based real estate fund. RSR specializes in high-end hotels in Spain and Portugal. It purchased the building for 24.5 million euros in 2022.