
5 days · 2 summary articles
Massive fire erupts in Madrids second-tallest skyscraper after explosion
Firefighters contain blaze at Madrid storage unit warehouse after precautionary petrol station evacuation
A massive fire that broke out in Madrid’s second-tallest skyscraper, the 248-metre Torre Moeve, was extinguished on Tuesday evening after an explosion on the 25th floor forced the evacuation of the entire building. Emergency services confirmed the blaze was under control by 18:40 local time, with no fatalities reported, though two workers were treated for smoke inhalation and a passer-by suffered an anxiety attack.
The incident began shortly after 17:40 when a technical room on the 25th floor of the 45-storey tower erupted in flames following an explosion, according to municipal sources. Firefighters, police and medical teams from Samur-Protección Civil responded within minutes, evacuating all 45 floors without injury. Three employees were briefly trapped in a secure area before being freed by rescue teams, while the remaining occupants were safely evacuated within an hour of the first alert.
The Torre Moeve, designed by Norman Foster and completed in 2009, is part of the Cuatro Torres Business Area (CTBA) in northern Madrid. The building’s owner, Pontegadea, confirmed the fire originated in a technical room near the 23rd floor and said emergency protocols were immediately activated. The company stated in a social media post that the evacuation was completed without casualties.
Emergency services reported minor injuries only: two workers exposed to smoke and a bystander who suffered a panic attack. The 112 regional emergency service issued real-time updates as the situation unfolded, while Madrid’s Mobility Management Centre restricted access to the Paseo de la Castellana, the M-11 and M-30 tunnels due to heavy emergency vehicle traffic.
This is the second fire at the Torre Moeve in six months. In December 2025, a transformer blaze on the basement level prompted a full evacuation and power cut, though flames were less visible. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of Tuesday’s explosion, which sent a thick plume of black smoke billowing over the financial district.
The Madrid government’s delegate to the central administration said security and emergency teams were working to protect lives and minimise damage. Firefighters remain inside the building conducting safety checks, while normal operations in the surrounding area are gradually resuming.
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