Dozens of vacationers had to evacuate a hotel at a popular holiday destination after an explosion ripped through the premises, causing a fire that could be seen from a distance. The incident occurred at the Olas Hotel, a four-star establishment in the Costa Tropical resort of Almunecar, approximately 50 miles east of Malaga. The explosion, which occurred as workers were refilling fuel tanks on the terrace, damaged part of the fifth floor, injuring one man.
The hotel was operating at 60% capacity with guests arriving for the Easter holidays when the explosion happened. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene as flames engulfed the top level, generating a large plume of smoke visible for miles. Holidaymakers were evacuated while firefighters tackled the blaze.
The injured man, who was the driver of the propane gas lorry, was taken to Santa Ana Hospital in the nearby town of Motril. Additionally, two firefighters received treatment for smoke inhalation. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the explosion, and efforts were made to accommodate tourists in alternative lodgings.
A spokesperson from a regional emergency response coordination center confirmed that one person sustained injuries in the explosion at the hotel in Almunecar. The incident prompted a rapid deployment of emergency units, including medical teams, law enforcement, and fire brigades, to the scene. The injured individual was identified as the person refilling the boiler and suffered head injuries, leading to the precautionary evacuation of guests.
The safety status of the hotel for guest return remains uncertain, with local authorities expressing gratitude that none of the 44 affected guests were harmed. The mayor highlighted that the area most impacted was unoccupied during the incident, preventing a more severe outcome. The structural damage was limited to property, with no reported accidents on the street due to the roof collapse.
Described online as a “Mediterranean retreat by the sea,” Hotel Olas in Almunecar offers a relaxing Andalusian-style ambiance near Majuelo Park and San Miguel Castle, just a short walk from the beach. Officials have not disclosed whether any British or Irish tourists were present at the hotel during the explosion.
