At least 18 individuals have been injured following a gas explosion on Ramón y Cajal Street in Mieres, Asturias, on March 3, 2025. The blast occurred around 4:00 PM, resulting in the complete destruction of the two-story building involved. Emergency services reported three individuals are currently hospitalized with severe injuries, with one being transported to Hospital de La Paz in Madrid for treatment of burns.
Adrián Barbón, the president of the Principality of Asturias, characterized the incident as "a miracle" considering the potential scale of devastation, noting, "We are fortunate no one seems to be trapped under the rubble." Firefighters confirmed flames erupted from one adjacent building, with the shockwave damaging nearby balconies. Local police have advised nearby residents to close their windows and shutters as safety precautions.
The Coordination Center for Emergencies of 112 Asturias received multiple emergency calls reporting the explosion, prompting the mobilization of firefighting units from Mieres and La Morgal, as well as the Rescue Canine Unit. Medical responses were swift, with SAMU dispatching three mobile ICU teams and three ambulances to the scene.
According to the Emergency Service of the Principality of Asturias (SEPA), surgical teams attended to 18 people, comprised of 12 men and 6 women, with varying levels of injury. The Mieres hospital and the Valle del Nalón Hospital received 10 patients total, with two additional individuals receiving immediate care on-site. The remaining patients were treated at the Central Hospital of Asturias (HUCA) and are reported to be stable following treatment.
Local officials, including Government Delegate Adriana Lastra and Health Counselor Concepción Saavedra, are closely monitoring the situation. Lastra mentioned plans to conduct soil excavation tests at the explosion site to determine if any gas deposits could cause another blast, emphasizing the establishment of a 150-meter safety perimeter around the area.
"There were multiple construction projects occurring simultaneously in this neighborhood, and it seems likely one of them inadvertently disturbed gas lines, leading to the odor detected by nearby residents earlier today," Lastra stated. She confirmed utilities were cut shortly after the explosion was reported, and investigations will continue to ascertain how the gas might have accumulated.
Health Counselor Concepción Saavedra indicated eight individuals have already been discharged from hospitals, including two minors. One other child continues to be under observation. Among the injured was another person who self-evacuated to their home post-explosion but later sought care for smoke inhalation at Hospital Álvarez Buylla.
The mayor of Mieres, Manuel Ángel Álvarez, has announced support for those displaced by the explosion, including accommodations at local hotels and residences, as well as provision of medications and other essentials to affected families. "We want them to regain normalcy as soon as possible,`" Álvarez remarked, but he acknowledged the situation remains complex.
This incident marks another reminder of the potential dangers associated with gas services, with local authorities emphasizing the need for stringent safety protocols and vigilant monitoring of construction activities. Investigators will analyze the situation thoroughly to prevent any future occurrences.
The community’s response has involved not just officials but local volunteers who have stepped forward to assist those impacted, showcasing the resilience and support among residents during this crisis.
Overall, as investigations proceed, the focus remains on the well-being of the injured and the mobilization of resources to support recovery efforts for the affected families. Authorities are committed to findings to prevent similar occurrences, underscoring the gravity of safety regulations concerning housing construction and gas maintenance within urban environments.