A powerful explosion at the "Mis Tesoros" bar in Madrid’s Puente de Vallecas district on Saturday killed one person and injured at least 25, according to local authorities.

The blast, which occurred at 3 p.m. (1300 UTC/GMT), is believed to have been caused by a gas leak, though the exact type of gas and the precise cause remain under investigation.

Madrid’s Emergency Services reported that rescue workers discovered the body of a man early Sunday morning during a search conducted by local firefighters and police. Firefighter chief Javier Romero confirmed that four people were pulled alive from the rubble. Of the 25 injured, two were reported in serious condition and three in potentially serious condition on Saturday night.

Carlos Marin, head of the Madrid City Council Fire Department, told El País that the explosion was gas-related, but authorities are still working to determine the specific gas involved and the origin of the leak. Deputy Mayor Inmaculada Sanz, who oversees security and emergencies, cautioned that it was "too early to predict" the exact cause of the blast.

The explosion severely damaged the building housing the bar, rendering it "currently unstable," according to Marin. The entrance was heavily impacted, making access to the structure impossible. While some upper apartments in the building sustained minimal damage, residents of the nine housing units within the complex will need to be rehoused for at least several days.

An investigation into the explosion is ongoing, with forensic teams and fire investigators combing through the debris to pinpoint the source of the gas leak. Preliminary reports suggest that the explosion may have originated in the bar’s kitchen or a nearby utility area, but no definitive conclusions have been reached.

Local authorities have cordoned off the surrounding area due to concerns about the building’s structural integrity, and nearby businesses remain closed as a precaution.

The Madrid City Council has pledged support for displaced residents, offering temporary housing and assistance. Community members have also launched a crowdfunding initiative to aid those affected by the blast, reflecting the city’s solidarity in the wake of the tragedy. (ILKHA)