What started as a typical Thursday morning at a local market in southern Spain turned into a heartbreaking tragedy after a gas explosion at a nearby bar killed two women, including a British expat.
The peaceful streets of San Pedro del Pinatar in the Murcia region were thrown into chaos when the blast erupted just after noon.
Popular Local Bar Turns Into Scene of Devastation
The explosion happened at Casa Javi, a bar situated near the weekly market.
The British woman, believed to be 56 and living in the Lo Pagán area, was nearby when the explosion struck.
She had reportedly been out visiting the market when she was fatally caught in the blast.
Spanish media confirmed that she died from her injuries after a week in hospital.
Second Victim Identified as Bar Owner
Also killed in the explosion was the bar’s owner, a 38-year-old woman named Hind, who was of Moroccan descent.
She suffered extensive burns and, like the British woman, fought for her life in hospital for several days before succumbing to her injuries.
Their deaths were officially confirmed by the San Pedro del Pinatar town hall via social media.
Investigators Probe Possible Sabotage
As details continue to emerge, police are now looking into the possibility that the gas explosion may not have been an accident at all.
A Judicial Police inspection reportedly found that the seal on a butane gas cylinder had been deliberately tampered with.
Investigators are currently weighing two potential motives: suicide or revenge stemming from a personal conflict.
Explosion Injures 15 Others Amid Panic
In total, at least 15 people were injured during the blast, which sent shockwaves through the community.
Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes of panic as flames and debris tore through the building around 12:15pm.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, and authorities have since been working to uncover what really happened.
Neighbours Say Bar Had a Troubled Past
Local residents have told Spanish news outlet 20Minutos that the bar had developed a questionable reputation in recent months.
One resident mentioned frequent altercations outside the premises and hinted that the venue may have been operating as a brothel, although this remains speculation.
“There were always fights,” one neighbour said, “and lots of young women hanging around.”
Many Questions Still Unanswered
As the community grieves, the big question remains: was this a horrific accident or something more sinister? Authorities haven’t yet confirmed the final cause of the explosion, but the tampered gas cylinder raises serious concerns.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has been contacted for further comment regarding the British national’s death.