Woman killed, 15 injured in Barcelona explosion

A woman has died and 15 people have been injured in a “huge” explosion in a block of flats near Barcelona, Spain.

The blast occurred just before 8:30am at the second floor flat of a seven-storey residential building in Premia de Mar, a coastal resort which sits about 15 miles north east of the Catalan capital.

Neighbouring properties were also affected by the blast as fire quickly spread through.

An emergency services spokesperson said: “The explosion happened at 8.25am and affected 15 people, 14 of whom were injured and one who died.”

The age of the woman who died has not been confirmed but she is thought to be middle-aged. Two of those injured are believed to be in a serious condition.

The person who died lived on the second floor flat where the explosion occurred.

The building and neighbouring blocks were evacuated. Those evacuated have been taken to a nearby sports centre. 

It is currently unclear what caused the blast but gas technicians have reportedly investigated the site.

Most of the residents were asleep at the time and one person was spotted dangling naked from a window in a bid to reach safety.

The explosion caused a fire which has now been put out.

Local Saturnino Martin said: “It was like something out of a film, a huge noise and then a shower of glass.”