Dancefloor too heavy at 5.30am. Credit: GC X
Twelve people have been injured after part of a bar collapsed in the northern Spanish town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra in La Rioja during the early hours of Saturday, October 3. Around 50 people were inside Bar Tempranillo when the incident happened at approximately 5.30am.
The floor gave way before part of the ceiling and roof also collapsed, leaving dozens of people trapped among rubble and unable to get out without assistance. Early reports suggested that between 25 and 30 people were trapped following the collapse, although the precise number varied as emergency crews began their rescue operation.
Emergency teams called to collapsed Spanish bar
Firefighters and other emergency services rushed to the scene after the alarm was raised, with rescuers searching the damaged premises for anyone who might still be underneath the debris.
Twelve people were eventually reported to have suffered injuries of varying severity. Six were taken to Hospital San Pedro in Logroño for further treatment, while others were treated at the health centre in nearby Haro.
One man reportedly suffered a possible leg fracture and an open wound, while the other injuries were described as less serious. No life-threatening injuries have been reported. Rescuers also had to take care while working inside the damaged building because of concerns over its structural stability.
Investigation launched into cause of collapse
Part of a neighbouring property was also damaged during the incident, with a wall reportedly collapsing. The property was not occupied at the time.
Emergency crews have been working to make the building safe while structural checks are carried out. The cause of the collapse has not yet been established, and the Guardia Civil is investigating what happened.
Bar Tempranillo was reportedly still open when the incident occurred, with permission to remain open until 6am. That meant the premises were operating when the floor suddenly gave way at around 5.30am.
San Vicente de la Sonsierra is a small town in La Rioja region, an area known internationally for its wine production and historic villages. The incident has left residents facing questions over how the building’s structure failed while the busy bar was packed with customers.
Emergency services completed their initial search of the premises after determining that nobody remained trapped beneath the rubble.
