The collapse of the Medusa Beach Club in Palma has prompted a thorough investigation into whether recent construction work contributed to the tragic incident. Authorities from the Palma City Council and the National Police are meticulously examining the building’s structural modifications to determine if these changes played a role in the disaster, which resulted in four deaths and sixteen injuries.

This inquiry is not only focusing on the physical aspects of the renovations but also the legal and bureaucratic processes behind them, as discrepancies in the building’s cadastral records suggest potential irregularities. As investigators delve into the details, the community deals with the aftermath of the collapse and demands answers to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The Collapse: What Happened?

The building in question, which previously housed a Mexican restaurant, had undergone significant changes before being transformed into the current beach club. In 2018, the building did not have a first-floor structure; instead, it featured an open space without a roof. Recent photos, however, show a glass-enclosed terrace on what is now considered the first floor. The collapse began on the first floor, causing it to give way and fall onto the ground floor, which subsequently collapsed into the basement.

El jefe de los bomberos de Palma, Eder García, explicó anoche que la principal hipótesis del derrumbe de la terraza del restaurante Medusa Beach Club, en Playa de Palma, es que hubo sobrepeso. Hay cuatro víctimas mortales y 16 heridos, algunos de ellos en estado crítico. pic.twitter.com/Q6RI5Y1COE

— Guillermo Esteban (@GuillEsteban) May 24, 2024

Investigating the Causes

Investigations found that the first floor does not appear in the cadastral records, raising questions about the legality of the construction work. There are two primary reasons this might happen: either a bureaucratic error prevented the records from being updated, or the renovations were carried out without the necessary permits. This finding suggests the possibility of unauthorized construction work.

Legal and Bureaucratic Concerns

The catastrophic event has drawn attention to the building’s structural integrity. Eder García, the chief of the Palma Fire Department, indicated that the building’s collapse was likely due to a combination of factors, including the excessive weight on the newly constructed terrace and the building’s old age. The investigators are diligently working to gather all relevant permits and documents to determine if the construction work was conducted through the proper channels.

Remembering the Victims

The beach club was packed with customers at the time of the collapse. The exact number of people present is still undetermined, but it was reported that many were dining or having drinks. The victims include a Spanish worker at the club, a local resident originally from Senegal, and two German tourists. Among the deceased was Aboulaye Diop, a 44-year-old Senegalese man who had lived in Palma for 18 years and was known for his bravery; in 2017, he had been awarded by the Palma Police for rescuing a swimmer in distress in the very area where the collapse occurred.

Next Steps in the Investigation

This tragic event highlights the importance of adhering to building regulations and ensuring that any modifications to structures are performed legally and safely. The authorities are focused on determining if any oversights or illegal activities contributed to the incident. The findings of this investigation will be crucial not only for assigning responsibility but also for preventing similar occurrences in the future.

The community of Palma now waits for the detailed results of the investigation, hoping for clarity and justice for the victims and their families.

Main image credit: Image: X /@ktypadme