On a quiet Saturday afternoon, the Puente de Vallecas district of Madrid was rocked by a powerful explosion that tore through the Mis Tesoros bar, leaving at least 25 people injured and the local community in shock. The incident, which occurred at around 3 pm local time on September 13, 2025, sent emergency services scrambling to the scene as chaos unfolded on Manuel Maroto Street.
According to emergency service reports cited by Associated Press, two of the victims were in serious condition, while three others suffered potentially serious injuries. The aftermath was harrowing: firefighters, police, and medical personnel worked side by side, pulling four individuals from the rubble and providing urgent medical attention to the wounded. The scale and suddenness of the blast left many locals reeling, as the sound of the explosion echoed through the densely populated neighborhood.
Firefighter chief Javier Romero, speaking to reporters and quoted by AP, described the immediate response: "Emergency responders pulled four people from the rubble after the explosion occurred at around 3 pm on the ground floor of the three-story building." The blast didn’t just damage the bar; it also impacted a neighboring store and several other properties. The force of the explosion caused part of an adjoining hall to collapse and brought down one of the bar’s walls, according to Metro. The flats above the bar were also affected, with building instability prompting concerns about further collapses.
Local media, including DW and El Pais, were quick to report that a gas leak was the likely culprit behind the explosion. While this remains the leading theory, authorities have not yet confirmed the precise cause. Carlos Marin, head of the Madrid City Council Fire Department, told DW that the explosion was linked to gas, but emphasized that the type and exact source of the leak were still under investigation. As Marin explained, “it was a gas explosion, but they are still unable to specify the type of gas, the cause, or exactly where it occurred.”
Madrid’s deputy mayor and delegate for security and emergencies, Inmaculada Sanz, echoed the uncertainty surrounding the explosion’s origin. She cautioned reporters that it was still “too early to predict what the cause of the explosion could have been.” However, Sanz did provide some reassurance to worried residents: authorities had ruled out the possibility of more victims being trapped under the rubble. She also confirmed that the nine housing units forming part of the affected building would require temporary rehousing for at least a few days due to the instability of the structure.
As the hours passed, the emergency response grew in scale and complexity. Firefighters, recognizing the risks posed by the unstable building, opted to clear debris by hand rather than using heavy machinery. This painstaking approach was bolstered by the deployment of canine units and drones, as reported by Metro. The city’s aerial support section provided real-time images and data to help guide the rescue and recovery efforts. Meanwhile, police closed off a section of Manuel Maroto Street and redirected traffic on adjoining roads, while ambulances stood by at nearby Amos Acero Park to ferry the injured to local hospitals.
The explosion’s impact extended beyond the immediate injuries and destruction. The entrance to the building was so badly damaged that access became “completely impossible,” according to Marin. While some of the upper apartments were left relatively unscathed, the destruction on the ground floor rendered the building uninhabitable for its residents, who faced the daunting prospect of finding alternative accommodation while repairs and investigations continued.
Neighbors who witnessed the blast described scenes of confusion and fear. As reported by El Pais, the explosion occurred in an area treated as an inhabited ground floor, further complicating rescue operations. The collapse of part of the adjoining hall and a wall of the bar added to the danger faced by both residents and first responders. The city’s emergency services, displaying both professionalism and compassion, worked tirelessly to stabilize the situation and prevent further harm.
In the immediate aftermath, the focus remained firmly on the injured. Emergency workers provided care at the scene, with many of the wounded suffering from burns, lacerations, and blunt force trauma caused by flying debris. The seriousness of some injuries underscored the violent nature of the blast and the importance of a swift medical response.
While the community grappled with the shock, authorities emphasized that the investigation was ongoing. Firefighters and police continued to sift through the rubble, searching for clues that might explain how a gas leak could have led to such devastation. The question of whether safety protocols were followed, or if there were any warning signs prior to the explosion, loomed large in the minds of both officials and residents.
This isn’t the first time Madrid has experienced a gas-related tragedy. The city has a history of similar incidents, each serving as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by aging infrastructure and the need for rigorous safety inspections. In the wake of this latest explosion, calls for enhanced monitoring and preventive measures are likely to grow louder, as residents demand assurances that such a disaster will not happen again.
For now, the focus remains on recovery and support. The city has mobilized resources to assist the displaced residents, offering temporary housing and counseling services. Local businesses and community organizations have rallied together, providing food, clothing, and emotional support to those affected. The resilience of the Puente de Vallecas neighborhood, long known for its strong sense of community, has been on full display in the face of adversity.
As the investigation continues and the clean-up progresses, many are left reflecting on the fragility of daily life and the unpredictable nature of disaster. The explosion at Mis Tesoros bar has left scars—physical and emotional—on the community, but it has also sparked a renewed commitment to safety, vigilance, and solidarity among Madrid’s residents. The coming days will bring more answers, but for now, the city stands united in its resolve to heal and rebuild.
