A strong explosion occurred this afternoon on the rooftop of Hotel Olas (formerly Hotel Carmen) in Almuñécar, forcing authorities to cordon off the area. The incident took place around 1:10 PM on March 30, 2026, while Repsol workers were refilling fuel canisters on the fourth floor.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, although one worker required medical attention for shock and anxiety. The hotel was evacuated as a precaution, affecting staff and guests, who were present as the building was at approximately 60% occupancy.
The fire spread across the top floor, and emergency services, including the full Almuñécar Fire Department, Local Police, Civil Guard, medical teams, and a standby helicopter, responded immediately to the scene. Operations to control the fire are still ongoing.
The mayor of Almuñécar, Juan José Ruiz, described the absence of personal injuries as a “true miracle,” given the number of people present. A municipal architect will inspect the building later today to determine if the explosion caused any structural damage. Preliminary checks suggest no visible structural issues, but further studies are required to confirm the safety of the building.
The incident is under investigation, and authorities continue to monitor the area while emergency operations remain active.
