Spain Blast: Two die in building explosion in Madrid

At least two people have died in an explosion in Spain’s Capital, Madrid, according to the city’s Mayor.

Firefighters approach a damaged building in Madrid on January 20, 2021 after a strong explosion rocked it. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP).

Spanish emergency services have said rescue teams, firefighters and police are working in a central area of Madrid following an explosion that witnesses described as "extremely loud".

At least two people have died in a blast in a building in Madrid after an apparent gas leak, the city's mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida has said.

The explosion took place in the parish premises and the residence floors of the priests of the Virgen de la Paloma parish, in the Archdiocese of Madrid.

Videos and images shared on social media showed a tower of smoke coming out from a building and rubble scattered in a central street of the capital.

Leire Reparaz, who lives near the Puerto de Toledo, a local landmark, told The Associated Press that she heard a loud explosion.

"We didn't know where the sound came from. We all thought it was from the school. We went up the stairs to the top of our building and we could see the structure of the building and lots of grey smoke," the 24-year-old Madrid resident said.

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