A deadly fire that ripped through an apartment building in Magaluf in the early hours of Thursday June 11 morning has claimed the lives of two people, left several others in hospital and forced residents from their homes as investigators work to determine exactly how the tragedy unfolded.

The blaze broke out shortly after 5am at the Trianón II apartment block in the Torrenova area, close to the bustling tourist resort of Magaluf. Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of flames engulfing a third-floor apartment before smoke rapidly spread through the building.

By the time firefighters brought the fire under control, two people had lost their lives and around 20 residents had been affected.

Fridge fault under investigation

Early investigations suggest the fire may have been sparked by an electrical fault in a refrigerator inside one of the apartments.

According to reports, occupants initially tried to tackle the flames themselves, but the fire quickly intensified. Thick smoke soon filled the building’s stairwell, creating what emergency officials described as a “chimney effect” that allowed smoke to spread rapidly through multiple floors.

Firefighters carried out rescues while ambulance crews treated residents suffering from smoke inhalation. Four people remain in hospital receiving treatment, with one reported to be in a serious condition.

Authorities have confirmed that the two victims were in separate apartments. One has been identified as a 58-year-old Argentine man, while the second victim is a woman whose identity has not yet been officially confirmed.

Questions over smoke and escape routes

Investigators believe smoke was responsible for much of the devastation.

The stairwell, which served as the building’s main escape route, quickly became filled with toxic fumes, making evacuation extremely difficult for residents attempting to flee.

Specialist teams are continuing forensic examinations of the building, although officials have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and no definitive cause has yet been confirmed.

Municipal technicians are also assessing the structural impact of the fire. For now, the apartment where the blaze is believed to have started, along with the flats directly above and below it, have been sealed off.

Hotels step in to help displaced residents

As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, Calvià Town Hall has praised the response from local businesses, hotels and residents who quickly offered support to those affected.

In a statement, the council thanked hoteliers, traders and establishments across Torrenova, Magalluf and Palma for their solidarity following the fire.

Thanks to the collaboration of the local hotel sector, residents who cannot return to their homes this weekend are being accommodated in hotels across the area. Businesses also provided supplies and assistance to emergency services and displaced residents throughout the morning.

The council described the response as an example of the community coming together during an exceptionally difficult day.

Two days of mourning declared

Calvià Town Hall has declared two days of official mourning in memory of those who died.

Flags at municipal buildings will fly at half-mast, while a minute’s silence is due to take place outside the town hall at midday on Friday.

The fire has shocked both residents and visitors in one of Mallorca’s busiest tourist areas. While investigators continue to search for answers, the focus has now shifted to supporting the victims’ families and helping those who have lost their homes begin to rebuild their lives.

What began as an ordinary summer morning in Magalluf has left a community grieving, united by a tragedy that will not soon be forgotten.

The scent of rosemary, myrtle and wild mountain herbs is once again filling the streets of Selva as one of Mallorca’s most distinctive cultural events returns for its 27th edition. The main fair day happens on Saturday June 13, seeing the Fira de ses Herbes transform the picturesque village at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana into a living showcase of the island’s botanical traditions.

What began as a celebration of the medicinal and culinary uses of local plants has evolved into one of Mallorca’s most beloved annual fairs, attracting visitors eager to experience authentic island culture beyond the beaches and resorts.

A tradition rooted in Mallorca’s past

For generations, Mallorcans have relied on herbs gathered from the mountains and countryside for everything from natural remedies and cosmetics to perfumes, liqueurs and cooking. The fair honours this centuries-old knowledge through workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and cultural performances.

Visitors can browse stalls packed with aromatic plants, essential oils, natural beauty products, herbal liqueurs and artisan goods, while learning about the traditions that have been passed down through local families for centuries.

Throughout the week, Selva hosts concerts, dance performances, book presentations, community workshops and food events, creating a lively atmosphere across the village.

The ritual everyone waits for

The highlight of the festival arrives on the main fair day, June 13, when locals gather before sunrise to collect murta (myrtle) from the surrounding countryside. The aromatic plant is then carried back into the village in a colourful procession accompanied by music and traditional characters.

As evening approaches, crowds gather in Plaça Major to witness the fair’s most iconic ritual: the distillation of murta water using a traditional copper still. The process has become synonymous with the event and remains one of the most atmospheric traditions on Mallorca’s cultural calendar.

The celebrations continue with folklore performances, giant figures, fire shows, drumming groups and the popular Ball de l’Estol de ses Herbes before the festival closes at midnight.

More than a market

While the herbal market remains a major attraction, the Fira de ses Herbes is ultimately a tribute to Mallorca’s rural heritage and its deep connection with the natural landscape. From the fragrances drifting through the narrow streets to the community spirit that brings together residents and visitors alike, the festival offers a rare glimpse into traditions that continue to thrive in modern Mallorca.

For anyone looking to experience a different side of the island, Selva’s herb fair remains one of the most authentic and enchanting events of the year.